Iran’s UN Envoy Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Remain Open

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran will not close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, dismissing claims that it plans to shut down the crucial global shipping route even amid mounting regional tensions. Iravani’s remarks, made to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, come in response to mixed signals about the waterway’s status and reflect ongoing diplomatic positioning amid the broader Middle East crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz — a narrow sea passage linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea — is one of the world’s most important chokepoints for energy exports, with roughly one‑fifth of global oil shipments transiting daily through its waters. Any disruption to navigation there would have significant implications for global oil markets and maritime trade.

Iravani emphasised that Iran respects the principle of freedom of navigation under international law, asserting that while Tehran will protect the security of the waterway, it has no intention of imposing a closure. He made the remarks when asked about earlier comments attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader suggesting the “lever” of blocking the strait should remain a strategic option.

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The comments may provide a degree of reassurance to international markets and shipping interests, which have been spooked by escalating hostilities and threats to commercial vessels in the region. However, officials and analysts caution that the situation remains tense, and the risk of broader conflict continues to weigh on energy prices and maritime traffic.

Iran has framed its position as defending regional security and sovereignty, at times blaming external actors for instability near the strait as geopolitical confrontations intensify. Despite Iravani’s assurances, maritime insurers and global traders remain watchful for any developments that could affect access to this critical passageway.

The UN envoy’s affirmation that the strait will remain open underscores Tehran’s attempt to manage international concerns while balancing internal and external pressures, even as diplomatic and military tensions persist across the Middle East.

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