After Trump’s 48-Hour Ultimatum, Iran Says Hormuz Open To All Except ‘Enemies’

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 14:58 IST

Iran said foreign ships can still pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but only if they coordinate with Tehran for safety and security.

Iran on Sunday said the Strait of Hormuz is not fully shut, but restricted only for Israel, the United States and their allies.

Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ali Mousavi, as quoted by ANI, said foreign ships can still pass through the Strait, but only if they coordinate with Tehran for safety and security.

Speaking as Iran’s envoy to the United Kingdom, Mousavi stressed that such coordination is needed to maintain stability in the key waterway. He said international rules must go hand in hand with respect for Iran’s territorial integrity and rights. He also said Iran is ready to work with the IMO and other countries to improve safety measures and protect seafarers in the region.

‘Closed to enemies’

Mousavi made it clear that the Strait is not open to everyone. He said it is “only closed to Iran’s enemies," pointing to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel as the main reason for tensions in the Gulf.

Trump issues 48-hour warning

In response, Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Tehran. He said the US would strike Iranian energy sites if the Strait is not fully reopened within 48 hours.

In a social media post, he said the United States would “hit and obliterate" Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest one, if access is not restored.

Oil prices and global pressure

The warning comes as the US faces growing pressure at home and abroad due to rising oil prices. The surge is linked to Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait, which carries about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas.

The situation has worsened due to repeated attacks on energy sites and ships since the conflict began. Iran has earlier warned it would not allow “even a single litre of oil" meant for the US, Israel or their allies to pass through the route.

A recent internal assessment by US defence intelligence, cited by CNN, suggests Iran could keep the Strait closed for one to six months.

Despite the sharp warnings, Iran has also sent mixed messages. Last week, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran had no plan to shut the Strait.

His remarks appeared softer than those of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who indicated the route could be used as strategic leverage.

Speaking at the UN, Iravani repeated that Iran would not block the shipping lane but would act to protect its own security.

News world After Trump’s 48-Hour Ultimatum, Iran Says Hormuz Open To All Except ‘Enemies’

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