Concerns circulating over a possible closure of the strategic shipping route linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman have been dismissed by Iran’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi, which maintains that normal maritime movement is ongoing and not affecting Kenya.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran said on Friday that reports suggesting disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz are misleading and do not reflect the actual situation on the ground, insisting that the passage remains open to vessels that meet required conditions.
In its communication, the embassy criticized what it termed as misleading information being circulated, arguing that some narratives linking the situation to economic pressure in Kenya are not factual and are meant to influence public views.
The embassy described such claims as “false news and manipulated narratives” and said they distort the reality of maritime operations in the region.
"The Embassy categorically rejects false claims by some parties and biased media propaganda regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Such allegations are baseless and do not reflect the Islamic Republic of Iran's actual position," the statement read.
"Narratives concerning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impacts on life expenses in countries like Kenya are products of the US and the Israeli regime's propaganda machinery and are aimed at distorting public opinion."
The statement further explained that Iran continues to support the movement of commercial ships through the strait, provided they are not involved in activities considered hostile and comply with safety measures issued by Iranian authorities.
It added that vessels from different countries are allowed passage under the principle of safe navigation, as long as they meet the set requirements and are not linked to acts of aggression.
"Iran reaffirms that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not been suspended or closed and continues, subject to the measures adopted and the considerations arising from the current wartime situation. This position has been formally communicated to the International Maritime Organisation."
However, the embassy drew a distinction regarding vessels associated with the United States, Israel, or those supporting their actions, stating that such ships may not be treated as neutral and could face measures within the context of ongoing tensions.
"However, it must be clearly understood that vessels, crafts, and any capacities belonging to the aggressors, particularly the US and the Israeli regime or employed in support of the aggression and its continuation, do not possess the character of normal, non-belligerent transit."
The embassy also described the broader maritime environment in the region as unstable, pointing to continued hostilities involving the United States and Israel, along with backing from certain regional actors.
"It is self-evident that responsibility for any disruption, insecurity, and heightened danger in this strategic waterway and the surrounding area lies directly with the United States and the Israeli regime, which, through their unlawful aggression, have placed regional security and international shipping at risk," the Embassy stated.
It further argued that such developments run counter to international law, citing Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and warned that they threaten the safety of global shipping routes.
