Key Points: Iran told IMO members that vessels it deems 'non-hostile' may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran. The letter says ships linked to the United States, Israel and other 'participants in the aggression' do not qualify for innocent passage. Escalating hostilities have disrupted roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments through the strait; Reuters could not immediately verify the FT report.
Iran Says 'Non-Hostile' Ships Can Transit Strait of Hormuz — Excludes U.S. and Israeli-Linked Vessels
A map showing the Strait of Hormuz is seen in this illustration taken March 23, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Iran has informed member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that vessels it deems 'non-hostile' may transit the Strait of Hormuz provided they coordinate with Iranian authorities, the Financial Times reported, citing a letter circulated to IMO members.
What Iran Told the IMO
In the letter, Iran's foreign ministry said Tehran has 'taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran.' The letter added that vessels linked to the United States, Israel and 'other participants in the aggression' do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.
Tehran: Vessels Linked To The U.S., Israel And Other Aggressors Do Not Qualify For Innocent Or Non-Hostile Passage
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important chokepoints for energy shipments. Escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran have severely disrupted shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) that transit the strait — roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG volumes, according to the report. Any change to transit rules or enforcement risks further affecting global energy markets and shipping operations.
Verification And Context
The Financial Times based its account on a letter circulated to IMO members; Reuters said it could not immediately verify the FT report. The London-based IMO, a U.N. agency, comprises 176 member states and is responsible for regulating the safety and security of international shipping and preventing pollution.
Further clarification from Iran, the IMO or independent verification of the circulated letter would be needed to confirm how coordination would work in practice and how enforcement would be handled in the busy and strategically sensitive waterway.
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