Iran offers safe passage through Strait of Hormuz to European and Arab states. But there's a catch
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has become a focal point of the confrontation between US-Israel and Iran, with uncertainty about supply sparking considerable volatility in global energy prices.
Iran on Tuesday offered Arab and European countries unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz if they expel US and Israeli envoys from their territories.
The rather unorthodox offer of safe passage was made by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who offered “full right and freedom” to transit the strategic waterway if Arab and European nations sever ties with the US and Israel, as per state broadcaster IRIB.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has become a focal point of the confrontation between US-Israel and Iran, with uncertainty about supply sparking considerable volatility in global energy prices.
Trump warns of ‘death, fire, and fury’ over Hormuz disruptions
Iran had earlier claimed to have control of the strategic waterway, and US President Donald Trump late on Monday warned of dire consequences — "death, fire, and fury" — if Tehran disrupted oil shipments through the strait.
"If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far," Trump warned in a post on Truth Social.
"Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!," the US President added, threatening severe escalation if Iran attempted to disrupt the flow of oil shipments.
Trump's comments, however, offered no clarity on future US actions against Iran, having come hours after he claimed that the war in the region was close to an end.
“The war is very complete, pretty much. We’re very far ahead of schedule,” Trump had told CBS News on Monday, a comment that briefly calmed global energy markets.
End of war in sight? Iran says no
Trump's comments on Monday about the war ending soon was rejected by Iran, with foreign minister Abbas Araghchi saying that Tehran was prepared to continue attacks for as long as necessary.
The Iranian foreign minister also ruled out talks with US, thereby closing the door to a diplomatic solution to the conflict that has plunged the Middle East into chaos.
About the Author
Shiladitya Ray specializes in covering geopolitics and science, and believes in communicating complex information through accessible, compelling, and if possible, visually engaging narratives. He has nearly 10 years of experience in digital media, and has been an Associate Editor with Mint for five months.<br><br> Shiladitya holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University, and two master's degrees in Development Studies and Sociology from TISS, Hyderabad and Delhi School of Economics respectively.<br><br> Shiladitya has also completed a Data Journalism fellowship with Google News Initiative (GNI), where he was a standout performer. He was subsequently invited as a speaker to GNI's AI Skills Workshop held in 2025, where he shared his previous work and experience in leveraging generative AI tools for data visualization with an audience of senior newsroom editors.<br><br> Prior to joining Mint, Shiladitya was a Chief Sub-Editor with Deccan Herald, and has previously worked for digital media startups NewsBytes and Opoyi. He has also served as an academic editor for Cactus Communications, where he worked with scholars on manuscripts meant for journal publication.<br><br> Shiladitya is based out of Delhi, is an avid reader, and has a keen interest in world affairs, science, philosophy, music, and football.