The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible state committed to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, has always respected the principle of freedom of navigation and maritime security and safety, and has strived for many years to uphold these principles in the maritime spaces of the region, including the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman. It is self- evident that respect for these principles in practice, including passage through the Strait of Hormuz, is not conceivable except in light of respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the coastal state.   Following the military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran since 28 February 2026, which constitutes a clear violation of Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter and the peremptory norm prohibiting the use of force, a dangerous situation has been imposed on the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, the effects of which have directly impacted maritime safety and security and navigation.   In the exercise of its inherent right to self‑defense against the aggressor parties, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in addition to targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region, has adopted a series of measures to ensure that the aggressors and their supporters do not exploit the Strait of Hormuz to advance their aggressive objectives against Iran. As the coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with established principles and rules of international law, has prevented the transit of vessels belonging to or associated with the aggressor parties and those participating in their acts of aggression.   Simultaneously, in a responsible approach, the Islamic Republic of Iran has taken a set of precautionary measures to prevent the imposition of additional risks on ships and mariners in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman.   Accordingly, and as has been repeatedly stated, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has not been halted. Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz continues in compliance with the essential measures mentioned above and the considerations arising from the state of belligerency.   It is emphasized that vessels, equipment, and any capacities belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the United States and the Zionist regime, as well as other participants in this aggression, do not qualify as normal and non‑hostile passage and will be dealt with in accordance with the legal framework arising from the hostilities, based on the decisions and measures of the competent Iranian authorities.   Non‑hostile vessels belonging to or associated with other countries, provided they do not participate or cooperate in the aggressive operations against Iran and comply with the declared safety and security rules and measures, may benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.   It is self‑evident that responsibility for any disruption, insecurity, or increased hazard in this waterway and its surrounding region lies directly with the U.S. regime and the Zionist regime, which, by imposing an illegal and criminal war against Iran, have exposed regional security and stability, as well as the safety and security of international navigation, to an unprecedented threat.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates that any arrangements, initiatives, or mechanisms related to maritime safety and security in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman must be carried out with full respect for the rights and interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities, and taking into account the realities arising from the aggression and the state of hostilities.