Iran: Hormuz shipping slows over insurance fears of US war

2026-03-22T20:13:26+00:00

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday
confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, attributing reduced shipping
activity to insurance concerns rather than any restriction imposed by Tehran.

In a post on X addressing US President Donald Trump,
Araghchi argued that vessels are holding back “because insurers fear the war of
choice you initiated—not Iran,” adding that threats will not influence insurers
or Tehran. “Freedom of Navigation cannot exist without Freedom of Trade.
Respect both—or expect neither.”

The Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, warned that ongoing
US and Israeli military actions have created a volatile maritime environment,
while noting that traffic through the strait continues, with vessels linked to
parties involved in attacks on Iran barred from transit and others allowed to
pass in coordination with Iranian authorities.

Earlier, Tehran cautioned that it would target US and
Israeli infrastructure across the Middle East if its energy facilities are
struck, following Trump’s threat to hit Iranian energy sites within 48 hours
unless the strait is fully reopened.