New Delhi (India) March 22:Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding oil supply, Iran declared on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but only to vessels not viewed as enemies of the Islamic Republic. 

Diplomacy: Iran's Call for Trust

According to Ali Mousavi, Iran's ambassador to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), foreign ships can navigate the strait, provided they make diplomatic arrangements with Iranian authorities to ensure "safety and security."
Mousavi emphasized the importance of protecting Iran's territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also expressed the country’s willingness to collaborate with global partners to enhance maritime security and safeguard sailors.
"Diplomacy remains Iran's priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important," Mousavi said.

Trump’s 48-Hour Ultimatum to Iran

His remarks came in response to a stern warning from the U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to "obliterate" Iran's power plants if the country does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a couple of days.
"If Iran doesn't fully open, without threat, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 hours from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various power plants, starting with the biggest one first! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Middle East Tensions Hit Fourth Week

This ultimatum comes at a time when global oil prices have surged, largely due to Iran’s recent actions in blocking the strait, a crucial transit point for nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas. Iran has also targeted the oil facilities of neighboring countries, further escalating tensions in the region.
The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, has seen the U.S. and Israel successfully carrying out attacks on Iran and vice versa. 

Strait of Hormuz: Vital Oil Route

The Strait of Hormuz , which connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, is vital for global energy supplies. However, attacks on commercial vessels and fears of further escalation have led to significant disruptions in tanker traffic, forcing producers to cut back on output as they navigate this narrow passage.
As the deadline set by Trump looms, the situation remains sensitive, with the potential for significant repercussions for both Iran and the global energy market.