Iran has allowed passage through Strait of Hormuz to India : Abbas Araghchi

Iran has allowed India and some other ‘’friendly countries’’ passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday.

Iranian news agency Tasnim, quoting the Foreign Minister, said Tehran has allowed vessels from friendly countries, including India, Russia, China, Iraq, and Pakistan to pass through the Strait.

‘We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan,’ he said adding that the Strait was closed for ‘enemies and their allies.’

The now choked Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passway though which almost 20 per cent of the global oil and gas trade takes place, was blocked by Iran after the US and Israeli attacks.

‘The Strait of Hormuz, from our perspective, is not completely closed. It is closed only to enemies. There is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass,” Araghchi said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier called for reopening of the Strait amid global disruptions in energy supplies and skyrocketing fuel prices.

Iran also ridiculed and rejected President Trump’s 15-point peace plan, saying the US and Israel are ‘negotiating with themselves,’ describing as ‘fake’ Trump’s statements about peace talks with Iran.