Iran's Foreign Minister Affirms Strait of Hormuz is Open Amid Security Concerns

Iran's Foreign Minister declared on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open to international maritime traffic, but acknowledged that commercial vessels are increasingly reluctant to transit the critical waterway due to the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran.

The statement comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf region continue to escalate, with shipping companies and insurers reassessing the risks of navigating one of the world's most strategically vital chokepoints. Approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply passes through the narrow strait that separates Iran from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, making any disruption a matter of immediate concern for energy markets and the global economy.

The Iranian foreign minister's remarks appeared aimed at distinguishing between Tehran's policy of keeping the strait open for navigation and the practical reality facing commercial operators, who face soaring insurance premiums and heightened security risks amid the conflict. Iran has long maintained that it has no interest in closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which its own oil exports must also pass, but has previously warned it could restrict passage if its national security were severely threatened.

The development carries particular significance for Qatar, which relies heavily on maritime routes through the strait for its liquefied natural gas exports. As the world's largest LNG exporter, Qatar has a direct economic stake in ensuring the free flow of commercial traffic through the waterway. Doha has consistently called for de-escalation in the region and has offered its diplomatic services as a mediator in multiple regional crises.

Shipping industry sources have reported that several major tanker operators have begun rerouting vessels or delaying transits through the strait in recent days, citing uncertainty over the military situation. War risk insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Persian Gulf have surged, adding significant costs to an already strained global supply chain.

Regional analysts noted that Iran's public reassurance about the strait's operational status reflects Tehran's awareness that any perceived threat to the waterway would likely draw a broader international military response and further isolate the country diplomatically. Gulf Cooperation Council member states have repeatedly emphasized the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation as fundamental principles of regional stability.

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels between Tehran and several Gulf capitals reportedly active as regional powers seek to prevent a further escalation that could destabilize global energy supplies and threaten the security architecture of the Persian Gulf.