The Strait of Hormuz remains open to Russian ships despite Iran’s effective closure of the key waterway in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said Thursday.
“For us, Hormuz is open,” Ushakov told the state broadcaster Rossia 24.
Iran has denied completely shutting down the Strait, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, stating that it is “closed only to enemies.”
Russia, China and India are reported to be among the five “friendly nations” allowed to use the waterway for commercial shipping. China’s Foreign Ministry said this week that three Chinese ships recently sailed through the Strait.
Unlike India and China, however, Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, does not rely on energy supplies from the Middle East.
On Friday, the UN Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s draft resolution mandating a “defensive” force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks.
Tehran, describing the proposal as “provocative action,” warned that it would only “complicate the situation” in the area.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
