Iranian authorities have announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to international commercial shipping, but made it clear that passage through the strategically vital waterway will be conducted exclusively on Tehran's terms and under the control of Iranian naval forces.

This was stated by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to him, Tehran does not create obstacles for vessels, and the responsibility for restrictions lies with the US regime. "The strait is open to all commercial vessels, but they must cooperate with our naval forces," he emphasized.

Araghchi accused the Washington regime of effectively blockading the region, claiming that US actions have complicated free navigation. Amid regional tensions, Iran has begun allowing some Chinese vessels to pass through the strait following agreements between Tehran and Beijing on navigation management rules.

Ships are reportedly passing under a special "management protocol" agreed with the Iranian side. According to media reports, the first Chinese tanker managed to transit the strait after a prolonged delay, confirming the new arrangement.

The Iranian authorities' statements indicate an attempt to consolidate control over the strategic waterway while demonstrating its "openness" to friendly states. The movement of Chinese ships coincided with the visit of US regime President Donald Trump to Beijing.

On May 14, Trump held talks with Xi Jinping, discussing the war with Iran and navigation security. According to the US leader, the Chinese president expressed readiness to help find a deal on the Iranian issue. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Trump did not seek China's support and merely informed Xi of the situation.

Source: podrobno.uz