Big relief for India? Strait of Hormuz open for world oil, gas flow — but Iran blocks US, Israel

Iran has said that the crucial Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes will remain open to global trade, but vessels linked to the United States and Israel will not be allowed to pass. The statement, made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during an interview with US news outlet MS NOW and reported by The Jerusalem Post, comes at a time when military tensions in West Asia are escalating rapidly. The remarks have triggered fresh concerns about global energy security, shipping routes and the possibility of wider confrontation in the Gulf region.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a massive share of global oil shipments from Gulf producers. Any disruption to traffic through this narrow waterway can quickly impact energy prices and supply chains worldwide. Iran’s warning therefore signals a potential geopolitical flashpoint that could reshape maritime security in the region.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz remains open — but not for US and Israel

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Speaking during the interview, Abbas Araghchi clarified that Iran has not completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping despite rising hostilities in the region. However, he made it clear that ships associated with the United States and Israel would not be permitted to use the route.

“The Strait of Hormuz is only closed to US and Israeli ships,” Araghchi said.

He added that vessels from other countries continue to pass through the waterway and that global shipping has not been halted. According to him, the presence of tankers and commercial vessels proves that Iran has not imposed a blanket blockade.

However, Araghchi acknowledged that several shipping companies have chosen to avoid the area because of security fears amid the escalating conflict. He insisted that these concerns are not caused by Iranian actions but by the broader military tensions in the region.

Global oil route at the centre of geopolitical tensions

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. A significant portion of global crude oil exports passes through this narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf with international waters.

Countries including China, Japan, South Korea and several European nations rely heavily on oil transported through this route. Even temporary disruptions can trigger volatility in global energy markets and push up crude prices.

Iran’s latest comments therefore come with major implications. If tensions escalate further and naval confrontations begin near the strait, shipping insurance costs, freight rates and energy prices could rise sharply.

Energy analysts say the situation highlights how geopolitical conflicts in West Asia continue to influence global economic stability.

Trump hints at international naval response

The United States has already signalled that it may respond to ensure that the waterway remains open for global shipping.

US President Donald Trump recently said Washington is discussing the possibility of deploying warships to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz and prevent disruptions to maritime traffic.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the United States is working with multiple partner countries affected by what he described as Iran’s attempts to restrict access to the strategic route.

He mentioned that several nations dependent on the strait - including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom could join efforts to keep the corridor open and secure for international trade.

Such a move could significantly increase the military presence in the Gulf and further intensify the already volatile standoff between Iran and Western powers.

Iran dismisses rumours about Supreme Leader’s health

During the interview, Araghchi also rejected speculation regarding Iran’s leadership stability.

Responding to claims reportedly made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured, Araghchi dismissed the reports as baseless.

“There is no problem with the supreme leader,” he said.

According to the Iranian foreign minister, the country’s leadership continues to function normally and the Supreme Leader recently issued a message to the public.

Araghchi also stressed that Iran’s political system does not rely on a single individual and remains institutionally stable.

“Everything is under control,” he said while addressing concerns about internal instability.

Nuclear negotiations and uranium stockpile clarification

Araghchi also responded to reports about his comments during nuclear negotiations between Iran and US representatives in Geneva.

He denied accusations that he had threatened American negotiators by claiming Iran possessed enough uranium to produce multiple nuclear bombs.

According to the Iranian diplomat, his remarks were misunderstood. He explained that Iran currently possesses around 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60 per cent purity.

While such material could theoretically be further enriched to produce nuclear weapons, Araghchi said the purpose of mentioning the stockpile during negotiations was to demonstrate the scale of concessions Iran might consider during diplomatic discussions.

The clarification comes amid renewed scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear programme and concerns among Western governments about Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.

Iran’s leadership questions US presence in West Asia

Amid the rising tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also taken a strong stance on the role of the United States in the region.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said the Gulf region would be more stable if the United States withdrew its presence.

“In short: For the region to be secure, the United States should not be there,” he wrote.

The statement reflects Tehran’s broader narrative that Western military involvement is a key factor behind instability in West Asia.

Attacks on vessels raise alarm across Gulf shipping lanes

Meanwhile, maritime security concerns have grown sharply in recent weeks.

According to reports citing data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, at least 17 vessels have been attacked in major shipping lanes across the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman since March 1.

The incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in one of the busiest energy corridors in the world.

Tragically, at least one Indian national has reportedly been killed during the attacks, according to maritime authorities and diplomatic sources.

Analysts say these incidents demonstrate how quickly regional conflicts can spill over into global trade routes.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters to the entire world?

The Strait of Hormuz is not merely a regional waterway - it is a lifeline for the global energy market.

A large percentage of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through this narrow passage every day. Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq depend heavily on the route to ship energy supplies to Asia, Europe and beyond.

Any prolonged disruption could force tankers to take longer alternative routes, significantly increasing transport costs and potentially causing sharp spikes in global fuel prices.