Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said India could play a constructive role in easing the situation
and promoting dialogue among the involved parties.
Speaking on the possibility of mediation, Fathali said India’s diplomatic standing and balanced foreign policy make it an influential actor capable of helping reduce tensions in the region.
“India can certainly play an effective and positive role in reducing tensions. As a major actor in the Global South and given its balanced foreign policy, India holds a special position to help de-escalate tensions and facilitate dialogue,” the Iranian Ambassador said.
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Fathali Calls India A Trusted Diplomatic Bridge
He said India’s longstanding “historical and strategic” ties with multiple countries involved in the crisis enable it to act as a “trusted partner” in facilitating communication and preventing further escalation.
“India maintains historical and strategic relations with all parties, which enables it to act as a trusted player in reducing misunderstandings and strengthening diplomatic pathways,” the Iranian envoy added.
Addressing concerns about Indian vessels currently in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route, he said he did not have precise details about their exact number but confirmed that reported cases were being followed up. He added that some Indian vessels had already received safe passage, while delays faced by others were linked to conditions created by adversaries attempting to destabilise the vital shipping corridor.
“Regarding Indian vessels, I do not have precise information about their number. However, the cases that have been reported are being followed up, and some of them have already had safe passage. Any delays in their transit are due to the conditions created by our adversaries to destabilise the Strait,” he remarked.
Hormuz Not Closed, Says Iran’s Envoy
The Ambassador emphasised that the maritime bottleneck remains open to international navigation. However, he noted that vessels belonging to parties Iran considers aggressors — including the United States and the “Zionist” regime, an apparent reference to Israel — are not permitted to transit, while ships from other nations can continue to pass through provided they have not supported hostile operations against Iran.
“I emphasise that the Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Only vessels belonging to the aggressor parties, namely the United States and the Zionist regime, as well as other participants in this aggression, who under international law do not qualify for innocent passage, are not permitted to transit through the Strait. Vessels belonging to other countries, provided they have not participated in or supported aggressive operations against Iran, can benefit from safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz…,” he further said.
