Iran Outlines New Hormuz Transit Conditions as Trump Issues 48‑Hour Deadline

Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said on Sunday, March 22, 2026, that all ships except those linked to what Tehran considers “enemies” can transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided they coordinate security and safety arrangements, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

Ali Mousavi told the IMO that Iran was ready to work with the UN agency to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, while insisting the strait remains open, albeit selectively.

“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority,” Mousavi said. “However, a complete cessation of aggression, as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important.”

He squarely blamed U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran for the “root of the current situation.”

Tensions Escalate as Trump Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum

President Donald Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, a warning that risks further escalation.

In response, Iran’s military declared it would target all US “energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure” if Iranian facilities are attacked, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the crisis.

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Selective Strait Access and Tehran’s Shipping Corridor

Iran has clarified that it will not fully close the strait, restricting passage only for vessels from the U.S., Israel, and their Western allies.

Other ships can navigate through a controlled corridor between the islands of Qeshm and Larak, often after direct negotiation with Tehran.

In at least one case, a shipowner reportedly paid $2 million to obtain authorization for transit.

Countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Malaysia, and Japan have engaged Tehran in direct talks to arrange safe passage.

Approved vessels are required to provide documentation and may undergo visual inspection as they transit the narrow channel.

IMO Calls for Coordinated International Response

The IMO convened an extraordinary session of its Council on March 18-19, 2026, to review the situation in the Gulf.

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The Council strongly condemned threats and attacks on merchant vessels and urged a coordinated international approach to ensure safe navigation.

“Let it be the responsibility of each and every one of us to demonstrate that inaction is not an option, that words alone are not sufficient,” said I9MO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The IMO has called for the establishment of a safe maritime framework as an urgent measure to allow the safe evacuation of merchant ships currently confined in the Gulf.

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Iranian naval ships patrol the Strait of Hormuz
PHOTO/Getty Images