Araghchi: Hormuz Remains Open… No Navigation Without Respect for Trade Rules

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains ongoing and uninterrupted, despite rising regional tensions and their impact on shipping and insurance sectors. He explained that the hesitation of some vessels to transit the waterway is linked to insurance considerations and heightened risk assessments, rather than direct fears of Iran.

In this context, Araghchi stressed that increasing pressure will not alter Iran’s position, calling instead for an approach based on de-escalation and mutual respect rather than threats and escalation.

He added:
"The Strait of Hormuz is not closed, and ships are hesitant to pass through not out of fear of Iran, but because insurance companies fear a war you have chosen."

He continued:
"No insurance company nor any Iranian will be affected by further threats—try respect."

He concluded:
"There is no freedom of navigation without freedom of trade. Respect both, or do not expect either to exist."