Map of the Strait of Hormuz [Reuters Yonhap News]

Iran, which received a 'scorched earth' warning from the United States over the issue of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, has stated its intention to allow passage for ships other than those linked to 'enemy nations'.

According to a Reuters report on the 22nd (local time), Ali Mousavi, Iran's representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the UN, stated in an interview with the semi-official Mehr News Agency, "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships except those linked to Iran's enemies."

Mousavi explained that passage is possible after coordinating security and safety with the Iranian government, and that they are ready to cooperate with the IMO.

While identifying attacks by the United States and Israel as the root cause of the tension in the Strait of Hormuz, he asserted that "diplomacy remains Iran's top priority."

Mousavi's statement that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is possible comes amid escalating US military pressure.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump warned via the social media platform Truth Social that if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the US would attack and scorch Iran's energy infrastructure, starting with its major power plants.

Following attacks by the United States and Israel on the 28th of last month, Iran had been retaliating by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world's crude oil transport passes.

The blockade of the strait has led to a sharp surge in international oil prices and widespread anxiety in the global energy market.

The reason President Trump's warning to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz and his threat of scorching energy infrastructure is seen as a sign of the situation prolonging, thus increasing concerns about the impact on the global economy.

A cargo ship passing near the Strait of Hormuz [Reuters Yonhap News]