‘Hormuz is open to everyone except enemies’ Iran’s befitting reply to Trump’s 48 hour ultimatum

New Delhi: The tension between Iran and America has now reached its peak. Iran has softened its stance slightly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important oil route. US President Donald Trump had given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum that if the strait was not completely opened, America would destroy Iran’s power plants. A few hours after this threat, Iran has issued a big statement.

Iran’s new stance: open to everyone except enemies

Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has said that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships, except those from Iran’s ‘enemy countries’. By enemy he mainly means America and Israel.

He said that if a ship follows Iran’s security rules and is not connected to enemy countries, then it will not have any problem in passing. The ships will have to coordinate with Iran on safety and security arrangements.

Trump’s threat and Iran’s reaction

Trump had posted on Truth Social that if Hormuz is not fully opened without threats within 48 hours, then America will destroy all the power plants in Iran, starting with the largest power plant. Iran has said in response that if its energy infrastructure is attacked, the energy bases of America and Israel in the region will be targeted.

Iran has given priority to diplomacy, but said it is necessary to stop the attacks by America and Israel and build mutual trust.

Importance and global impact of Hormuz

About 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had earlier talked about closing it to enemy countries, due to which oil prices increased and created panic in the global market. Now this statement of Iran has come after Trump’s threat.

Iran is ready to work with the IMO to increase the security of ships in the Gulf, but the question is whether Trump will take major military action after the 48-hour deadline or will the matter be resolved through talks.