Iran has sent a letter to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), confirming that while “non-hostile vessels” are indeed permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, this permission comes with a significant stipulation, as reported by The Hill. Essentially, if your vessel is linked to what Iran calls the “aggressors” – specifically the United States and the Israeli regime, along with any other participants in their “acts of aggression” – you’re not getting through without facing potential consequences.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry made it clear that such assets won’t qualify for “innocent or non-hostile passage” and will be handled according to their authorities’ decisions. This is a big deal because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point, handling about a fifth of the world’s daily oil supply. It’s the only passageway from the Persian Gulf out to the Indian Ocean. Since the conflict with Iran began, very few ships have been making that journey.
Iran, for its part, has consistently stated that the Strait remains open, and their recent letter reiterates that maritime traffic hasn’t been suspended. However, that’s “subject to compliance with the necessary measures referenced above and the realities arising from the ongoing conflict.” The language is pretty stark: “vessels, equipment, and any assets belonging to the aggressor parties—namely, the United States and the Israeli regime as well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.”
Regional stability in the Middle East has definitely taken a hit, slowing down oil transport and leaving some ships essentially landlocked
The letter further warns that “such assets will be addressed in accordance with the decisions and measures adopted by the competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” As a result, we’ve seen some serious impacts already. Some ships have reportedly paid up to a $2 million “toll” to Tehran just to get through the Gulf since the February 28 strike on Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry explained their position in the letter, stating that “in the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran has, in addition to targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region, taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran.” They also asserted their right as the “coastal State bordering the Strait” to restrict passage for vessels “belonging to or associated with the aggressors and those participating in their acts of aggression.”
Leaders in Tehran have been calling on international heads of state to condemn the attacks on the Islamic Republic. So far, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been the most vocal Western ally to step up, describing the series of offensive strikes as a “breach” of international law. President Steinmeier called the conflict “a politically disastrous mistake.”
He added, “And that’s what frustrates me the most. A truly avoidable, unnecessary war, if its goal was to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.”
Published: Mar 25, 2026 01:00 pm