Iran Says Strait Is Closed Only to ‘Enemies,’ But Lloyd’s Says Attacks Show No Clear Pattern

Sixteen non-Iranian vessels have been hit in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman since the start of the Iran War on Feb. 28.

A navy vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, on March 1, 2026. Sahar Al Attar/AFP via Getty Images

Iran’s foreign minister said on March 16 that the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway vital for global oil and gas shipments, is closed to the United States, Israel, and their allies but open to other countries.

“[Americans] are asking other countries to come and help them so that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, which, of course, from our perspective, it is open,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during a press conference.