TEHRAN : In a statement to Japan’s Kyodo News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but only to countries not considered hostile by Tehran. “We have not closed the strait… it is closed only to ships belonging to our enemies,” he said, adding that Iran is willing to coordinate with Japan to ensure safe passage for its vessels.
Araghchi further noted that Tehran is actively engaging with countries like Japan to establish secure transit routes, urging them to communicate directly with Iranian authorities to facilitate movement through the waterway.
The development is significant for Japan, which sources over 90 percent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East and relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy supply and exports. The waterway has effectively remained shut since February 28, following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, which escalated tensions across the region.
In the early days of the conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned that any ships attempting to pass through the strait could be targeted, leading to a near halt in maritime traffic. However, recent days have seen a softening in Iran’s stance, with officials clarifying that restrictions apply only to adversarial nations.
Japan is expected to join a limited group of countries, including China, India, and Pakistan, whose vessels have recently been permitted to transit the strait with Iranian approval. According to maritime intelligence service Lloyd’s List, at least 10 ships have successfully navigated the route by sailing close to Iran’s coastline, forming what is now being described as a “safe corridor” for shipping.
Meanwhile, Japan, along with France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, has issued a joint statement expressing readiness to support international efforts aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strategic waterway.
Reports also indicate that countries such as Iraq, Malaysia, China, India, and Pakistan have engaged in direct discussions with Tehran to address shipping concerns.
Araghchi’s remarks follow a recent call with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, during which Tokyo raised alarm over several Japanese vessels currently stranded in the Gulf, underscoring the urgency of restoring safe and stable maritime transit in the region.
Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to non-hostile nations, including Japan, ensuring safe passage for their vessels. This move is crucial for Japan, which relies heavily on the strait for its energy imports. Iran's decision follows heightened tensions with the US and Israel, and marks a shift towards cooperation with select countries.