Iran embassy responds to proposal facilitating Vietnamese vessels through Hormuz Strait

The Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about a fifth of global oil supplies, has been effectively shut or severely disrupted since a conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel erupted in late February, with attacks on vessels, mines, and missile threats deterring commercial traffic.

Speaking at a press briefing in Hanoi on Friday, Mohammadi said relevant agencies from both countries have been in contact and are actively discussing measures to ensure safer maritime transit for Vietnamese ships.

He hoped the results would soon become clear.

Restrictions on maritime movement through the strait affect not only Iran but countries around the world, he said.

To support Vietnamese vessels transiting the strait, the authorities of both Vietnam and Iran have been in communication and exchanging views on this issue, he added.

The diplomat noted that prior to the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz had remained fully open and posed no operational obstacles to international shipping.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is currently quite complicated, as it is an area affected by conflict.

There have been many contacts in recent times, he said, expressing hope that the outcomes of these exchanges will soon become clearer, including the possibility of Vietnamese vessels being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

At a regular press briefing on April 2, Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry has been working closely with the Ministry of Construction and Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the Middle East since the conflict began to monitor developments, stay in contact with vessels and sailors in the region, and prepare contingency plans to ensure their safety and provide assistance when needed.

“Since the early stages of the conflict, when Vietnamese vessels encountered difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaging relevant parties to ensure security, safety, and favorable conditions for the Vietnamese ships and crew transiting the area,” she said.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with the Ministry of Construction to work with the Iranian Embassy in Hanoi and Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting the Iranian side to create favorable conditions and take supportive measures to ensure the safety of Vietnamese vessels and workers so they can leave the area and safely transit the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible,” said stressed.

She said that at Vietnam’s request, Iranian authorities have been implementing procedural steps related to the movement of Vietnamese vessels.

Vietnamese agencies are also working with shipping companies and vessel owners to complete necessary documentation and continue technical discussions with Iranian authorities, aiming to ensure safe and timely passage while safeguarding both ships and crews, according to Hang.