Iran announced on Friday new restrictions on maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing heightened security concerns following what it described as a military attack by the United States of America and Israel.
In a statement, the Iranian embassy in Nicosia said the alleged strike on 28 February 2026 constituted a violation of international law and undermined the country’s sovereignty. They argued that the resulting conflict has fundamentally altered the security environment in the Persian Gulf, including the Gulf of Oman.
Denied passage for 'aggressors and their supporters'
Tehran said that, under the current conditions, treating maritime navigation as routine is “neither realistic nor legally justified”, warning that shipping routes in and around its territorial waters have become increasingly unsafe.
As a result, Iran announced that it would impose precautionary and restrictive measures on vessels transiting the Strait. Authorities indicated that ships linked to what it described as “aggressor parties and their supporters” would be denied passage. Transit by third-party states would be permitted only if deemed not to threaten Iran’s national security or regional stability.
Iran cited its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, as well as provisions of international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to justify the measures. It said such steps were necessary to protect national interests while maintaining regional maritime security.
Blame squarely on US and Israel
The statement also emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, despite the restrictions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a recent message that any disruption to shipping was primarily due to insurers’ concerns over the conflict, rather than direct action by Iran.
Tehran maintained that freedom of navigation must be balanced with respect for the sovereignty of coastal states, adding that all vessels must comply with Iranian regulations while transiting the waterway.
The government further warned that responsibility for any instability or disruption in the Strait lies with the United States and Israel, whose actions it accused of endangering regional and international maritime security.
Iran said the measures would remain in force until what it described as the threat of aggression has been removed, stressing that all maritime traffic must coordinate with its authorities when passing through the Strait.