Iran made it clear on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz would be open to ships from "friendly countries," but any US ships and Israeli vessels would be prohibited from passing. This statement aims to sow discord between Washington, which is seeking to form a maritime escort coalition, and its traditional allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized in a media interview that Tehran welcomes any country wishing to engage in dialogue regarding the safe passage of ships, but will never allow "hostile countries" to use this strategic waterway to harm Iranian interests. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagaei added that ships can pass safely if they coordinate with Iranian authorities in advance and obtain permission from the armed forces.

This strategy has already shown initial success. India recently successfully negotiated with Iran, allowing two oil tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas to pass through the strait to India. Turkey has also obtained similar permission. According to sources, France and Italy are currently negotiating with Tehran.

Meanwhile, US President Trump's request for maritime escort is facing a collective cold shoulder from allies. German Chancellor Merz explicitly stated that Germany would not participate in military escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz, saying that "the Iranian conflict is not a NATO matter." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Iran would not be drawn into a wider war, and Australia refused to send naval vessels. Trump complained that some "long-time U.S. protected countries" were not enthusiastic about the issue.

Iranian officials stated that despite the restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, crude oil exports to China were largely unaffected, remaining above 1.5 million barrels per day this month. Global oil supply has plummeted from approximately 14.7 million barrels per day before the war to 8 million barrels per day.

"We guarantee the passage of ships because we have not closed the Strait," Araghchi said. He also warned that all hostile actions against Iran would be met with a firm response.

Sources indicated that there was even a welcome within Iran for the start of U.S. escort operations, with statements suggesting that any oil tankers or cargo ships escorted by U.S. warships could pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and that Iran would only attack the U.S. ships. The pressure is now on the U.S. side.Editor/Cao Tianyi