Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Strait of Hormuz is “closed only to enemies”, reports AFP.

“The Strait of Hormuz, from our perspective, is not completely closed, it is closed only to enemies,” Araghchi said on state TV, adding: “There is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass.”

He said Tehran’s armed forces had already “provided safe passage” for ships from friendly nations.