After Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum, Iran says ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz – except for ‘enemy’ ships
AI-generated image
Iran said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all shipping except those of its “enemies” – a reference to the United States and Israel – 48 hour ‘ultimatum’ From US President Donald Trump To “fully open” the vital waterway, which carries about 20% of the global crude oil supply.Read this also Iran reacts to Trump’s Hormuz warning, threatens US infrastructure in Middle East if energy sites are attacked“We are ready to cooperate with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime security and protect seafarers in the Gulf. Ships belonging to Iran’s ‘enemies’ cannot transit the strait by coordinating safety and security arrangements with Tehran,” Reuters quoted Ali Mousavi, Iran’s permanent representative to the UN maritime agency IMO, as saying.
Mousavi, who also serves as the Islamic Republic’s envoy to the United Kingdom, called for a complete end to the ongoing hostilities and urged all parties to build “mutual trust and confidence”.Also read: Strait of Hormuz in danger as Saudi Arabia opens King Fahd Air Base to US forces amid Iran tensionsHe said, “Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression is necessary along with the rebuilding of mutual trust and confidence. Israeli and US attacks against Iran are at the root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz.”Iran has effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the February 28 joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which triggered the conflict. It has also launched attacks on Israeli territory and targeted Gulf countries that host US military bases.However, Tehran has repeatedly said the strait is open to all except its “enemies”.Also read: More than 20 countries issue joint statement condemning Iran’s de facto closure of the Strait of HormuzMeanwhile, Trump has repeatedly urged allies to deploy their navies to escort ships through the strait, but his calls have been largely rejected.“If Iran does not completely open the Strait of Hormuz, without any threat, within 48 hours from this exact time, the United States will attack and destroy their various power plants, starting with the largest plant first!” He announced in a social media post.