Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has said that as long as there is a naval blockade, or any other measure to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran will consider it a ceasefire violation and close the waterway.
According to the Council’s statement, shared by state broadcaster Press TV, the Strait of Hormuz would be conditionally opened temporarily until the end of the ceasefire, “if the enemy observes a ceasefire on all fronts”.
It adds that the waters would be open solely for commercial vessels, not military vessels or “hostile nations’ non-military vessels”, under the control and permission of Iran’s armed forces and through designated routes.
“Since most of the equipment for US military bases in the Persian Gulf is supplied via shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens Iran’s national security and the Persian Gulf region, Iran is determined to monitor and control traffic through the Strait until the war fully ends and lasting peace is achieved,” the statement reads.
It adds that this will be achieved by obtaining full information on passing vessels, issuing transit permits, collecting fees for security and safety, environmental protection services, and using designated routes.
“As long as the enemy intends to disrupt vessel traffic or impose methods like naval blockades, the Islamic Republic of Iran will consider that a ceasefire violation and prevent the conditional, limited opening of the Strait of Hormuz,” the Council states.
