The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nairobi has dismissed claims that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect the cost of living in Kenya, emphasising that Tehran has not closed the strategically vital waterway and it remains open to legitimate maritime traffic.
This waterway, the world’s most important oil transit chokepoint, with about 20% of global oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas passing through daily, has been subject to uncertainty in the wake of the conflict, which has made shipping companies increasingly cautious.
In an official statement on Friday, the embassy described reports suggesting disruptions in the strait as “false news and manipulated narratives” designed to distort public opinion.
It said such claims, particularly those linking the situation to economic impacts in countries like Kenya, are the product of a propaganda campaign by the United States and Israel.
"The Embassy categorically rejects false claims by some parties and biased media propaganda regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Such allegations are baseless and do not reflect the Islamic Republic of Iran's actual position," the statement read.
"Narratives concerning the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impacts on life expenses in countries like Kenya are products of the US and the Israeli regime's propaganda machinery and are aimed at distorting public opinion."
The embassy underlined that Iran continues to respect the principle of freedom of navigation and the safety and security of maritime traffic.
It reaffirmed that non-belligerent vessels, including those from other states, may transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided they do not participate in or support acts of aggression against Iran and comply with the safety measures declared by Iranian authorities.
At the same time, the embassy cautioned that vessels and assets associated with the United States, Israel, or their supporters do not enjoy the status of neutral passage and may be subject to measures under the legal framework of armed conflict.
"Iran reaffirms that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not been suspended or closed and continues, subject to the measures adopted and the considerations arising from the current wartime situation. This position has been formally communicated to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)," the statement said.
"However, it must be clearly understood that vessels, crafts, and any capacities belonging to the aggressors, particularly the US and the Israeli regime or employed in support of the aggression and its continuation, do not possess the character of normal, non-belligerent transit."
The statement described the current situation in the region’s maritime domain as “highly unsafe, volatile, and unpredictable,” attributing this instability to ongoing military aggression by the United States and Israel, with assistance from certain littoral states of the Persian Gulf.
"It is self-evident that responsibility for any disruption, insecurity, and heightened danger in this strategic waterway and the surrounding area lies directly with the United States and the Israeli regime, which, through their unlawful aggression, have placed regional security and international shipping at risk," the Embassy stated.
Reports had indicated Traffic through the strait has been heavily restricted since major US–Israeli strikes against Iran on 28 February triggered retaliatory attacks on ships and energy infrastructure across the Mideast Gulf. The disruption has severely curtailed exports of crude, oil products, LNG, fertilizers and other commodities from the region.
The escalation in the Middle East, follows a large-scale military campaign launched by the United States and Israeli against Iran after the assassination of Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28. According to Iranian authorities, the attacks have included extensive aerial strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, resulting in significant casualties and widespread damage.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have conducted retaliatory operations, launching waves of missiles and drones against American regional bases and Israel. The ongoing exchange has further heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, while global concerns continue to grow over the security of vital trade routes and the stability of energy markets.
