Iran Says Hormuz Open To All but ‘Enemy’ Ships After Trump Ultimatum

Iran has publicly stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, but with a major caveat: vessels linked to nations it considers enemies will be barred from passage as part of its ongoing confrontation with the United States and its allies.

According to reporting by Reuters, Iran’s representative to the United Nations maritime agency and ambassador to the United Kingdom said in comments published this week that the strait will be accessible to all ships other than those associated with “enemy‑linked” nations.

The official, Ali Mousavi, emphasised Iran’s commitment to cooperating with the International Maritime Organization to ensure maritime safety, but reiterated Tehran’s stance that vessels from countries it deems hostile must coordinate with Iranian authorities before entering the narrow waterway.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions over the strategic chokepoint, through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows. The conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel has disrupted traffic, with many commercial operators reluctant to transit the strait amid rising security risks.

In a related development, AP News reported that U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48‑hour ultimatum demanding that Tehran fully reopen the strait or face potential retaliatory strikes on Iranian power infrastructure. Tehran responded by warning of counter‑attacks on U.S. and allied targets if military action is taken against Iranian territory, underscoring how the dispute over Hormuz has become a flashpoint in the broader Middle East conflict.

The standoff has put pressure on global oil markets, with prices rising as uncertainty grows over the free flow of energy supplies. Analysts say even partial restrictions on shipping through the strait can have wide‑ranging economic effects far beyond the Middle East.