Iran’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ali Mousavi says vessels not linked to aggressors can enjoy safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz provided that they do not join or support anti-Iran aggression and adhere to regulations set by authorized bodies inside the Islamic Republic.

In a meeting with IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez in London on Wednesday, Mousavi outlined Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Persian Gulf which has been tightly controlled by Iran since the start of the US-Israel aggression on February 28.

“Vessels, equipment and assets belonging to or linked to the aggressor parties or those participating in the [US-Israel] aggression cannot enjoy innocentQ or non-hostile passage,” Mousavi said.

He reiterated Iran, as a country committed to the United Nations Charter and international regulations, has persistently emphasized the necessity of freedom of navigation and maritime safety and security.

He affirmed that the ongoing insecurity in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman is the “direct” result of the military campaign and destabilizing measures of the United States and the Israeli regime.

In line with its inherent right of legitimate defense, Iran has adopted necessary and proper strategies to prevent the abuse of the aggressors and their allies of the Strait of Hormuz for their hostile acts, the diplomat noted.