标签： Asia

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a definitive statement on Sunday clarifying that maritime traffic continues unimpeded through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing regional hostilities. The ministry emphasized that while navigation persists normally, certain security protocols have been implemented in response to current conflict conditions.

The declaration came as part of Iran’s comprehensive position statement addressing recent military engagements with the United States and Israel. Iranian officials maintained that Tehran has consistently upheld principles of maritime security and freedom of navigation throughout the volatile period.

According to the ministry, recent American and Israeli military operations against Iranian territory have created a precarious security environment throughout the Persian Gulf and the critical waterway. These developments have directly compromised shipping safety and regional stability, the statement noted.

Asserting its right to self-defense under international law, Iran confirmed it has targeted US military installations in the region while implementing measures to prevent ‘aggressor’ nations from utilizing the strait for hostile purposes. The ministry specified that vessels affiliated with or belonging to nations participating in attacks against Iran are being denied passage through the strategic channel.

However, the statement clarified that non-hostile vessels from other countries can obtain safe transit through coordination with Iranian authorities, provided they adhere to established security regulations and haven’t supported aggressive actions against Iran.

The ministry concluded that sustainable security in the vital waterway can only be achieved through cessation of military aggression against Iran, an end to destabilizing actions by the US and Israel, and full recognition of Iran’s legitimate regional interests.

The tensions referenced in the statement stem from February 28 joint US-Israeli attacks that targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities, resulting in significant casualties including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials. Iran responded with comprehensive missile and drone strikes against Israeli territory and US bases throughout the Middle East.

In a significant military escalation, the United Kingdom has deployed its nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson to the Arabian Sea amid rising tensions with Iran. The vessel, armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, reportedly traveled approximately 9,000 kilometers from its previous deployment near Australia to position itself strategically in the volatile region.

The deployment comes as Western nations express growing concern over Iran’s targeting of the critically important Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Although the UK Ministry of Defence has maintained its policy of not commenting on submarine operations, this movement appears to support Britain’s recent decision to permit American forces to utilize UK air bases for strikes against Iranian installations threatening the vital waterway.

This policy shift followed revelations that Iran had attempted missile attacks on the joint UK-US military facility on the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNN, two missiles were launched toward Diego Garcia island, with one being successfully intercepted and the other failing mid-flight.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the government’s cautious approach, stating to the BBC that while defensive measures would be taken to protect national interests, the UK sought to avoid direct involvement in offensive operations. “We will provide defensive support against these reckless Iranian threats, but we have not been—and we continue not to be—involved in offensive action,” she asserted, adding that Britain does not wish to be drawn into a broader regional conflict.

The situation has prompted coordinated international response, with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issuing a joint statement expressing their readiness to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This collective effort aims to stabilize global energy markets after recent conflicts caused fuel prices to surge dramatically.

Adding to the tension, US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum at 23:44 London time on Saturday, threatening to “obliterate” Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened to all vessels within 48 hours. Meanwhile, Israeli claims regarding Iran’s capability to target European cities have been met with skepticism by British officials, who questioned the feasibility of such scenarios.

The Middle East conflict entered a perilous new phase as US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to destroy Iran’s power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened. The dramatic threat, delivered via social media on Saturday, represents a stark reversal from previous statements about de-escalating hostilities.

Iran responded swiftly with a counter-threat through Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warning that any attack on Iranian energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli infrastructure targets. The semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reported that energy, information technology, and desalination facilities would be prioritized in such retaliation.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, remains effectively closed to commercial shipping due to ongoing attacks and threats. This critical waterway normally handles approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments, and its closure has already impacted global energy markets and food prices worldwide.

Despite the hostilities, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ali Mousavi, indicated that ships could transit the strait with prior coordination with Iranian authorities, excluding vessels from “enemy” nations. Mousavi emphasized Tehran’s commitment to diplomatic solutions while maintaining that respect for Iran’s territorial integrity remains paramount.

The conflict has intensified militarily with US-Israeli strikes targeting multiple Iranian locations including Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and the nuclear facility at Natanz. Pirhossein Kolivand of the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that over 80,000 civilian locations, including schools and medical centers, have been damaged since hostilities began.

International concern mounted as IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated calls for military restraint to prevent potential nuclear accidents. The UN nuclear agency confirmed bombing damage at Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility—the fourth such attack on nuclear sites since the conflict began—though no radiation leaks were detected.

The human toll continued to rise with nearly 200 injuries reported from Iranian strikes on southern Israeli cities. Israel responded by closing schools and banning large gatherings in affected regions while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes against “enemies on all fronts.

Diplomatic relations further deteriorated as Saudi Arabia declared Iranian military officials and embassy staff personae non gratae, ordering their expulsion within 24 hours. The Saudi Foreign Ministry cited repeated violations of sovereignty and international agreements in its decision.