Economy March 16, 2026

Iran Says It Has Not Asked for Ceasefire, Keeps Hormuz Open Only to Non-Participants

Foreign ministry officials stress the need for a definitive end to hostilities while permitting coordinated transit for countries not involved in the conflict

By Leila Farooq
Iran Says It Has Not Asked for Ceasefire, Keeps Hormuz Open Only to Non-Participants

Iran's foreign minister and a ministry spokesperson said Tehran has not sought a ceasefire in the current hostilities with Israel and the U.S., and that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed only to adversaries and their supporters. Officials added that vessels from countries not engaged in the fighting have been allowed to transit with coordination and permission from Iran's armed forces.

Key Points

  • Iran's foreign minister said Tehran has not requested a ceasefire and wants any end to the war to be definitive.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is closed only to enemies and those supporting their aggression; neutral countries' vessels have transited with coordination and permission from Iran's armed forces.
  • Iranian officials said there have been no messages exchanged with the U.S., and that armed forces announce each target they strike and clarify which they did not.

Summary

Iran has not requested a ceasefire in the current conflict with Israel and the United States, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday, according to the semi-official Students News Network. Araqchi indicated that Tehran seeks an end to hostilities that is conclusive, and therefore has not pursued a temporary halt.


Details

Araqchi told reporters that any cessation of fighting must be arranged so that the conflict does not recur. He also said there have been no exchanges of messages with the U.S., underscoring that diplomatic contact on this specific point has not taken place.

A foreign ministry spokesperson identified as Baghaei described the status of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it is closed only to "enemies and those supporting their aggression." Baghaei added that countries not party to the conflict have been able to transit vessels through the strait, provided those movements are coordinated with and permitted by Iran's armed forces.

On the conduct of operations, Baghaei said Iranian armed forces issue announcements about every target they strike and specify which targets they did not attack. His comments conveyed that Iranian authorities are providing public statements about the scope of their military actions.


Key points

  • Iran's foreign minister said Tehran has not asked for a ceasefire and wants any end to hostilities to be definitive.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is being kept closed only to adversaries and those supporting them; vessels from uninvolved countries have been allowed to transit with coordination and permission from Iran's armed forces.
  • Officials stated there have been no messages exchanged with the U.S., and the armed forces announce the targets they strike and clarify those they do not.

Risks and uncertainties

  • Absence of a ceasefire request - the conflict may continue without a formal halt, sustaining uncertainty for parties involved.
  • Strait of Hormuz restrictions - continued closure to adversaries creates uncertainty for any entities linked to the forces designated as hostile.
  • Lack of communications with the U.S. - the reported absence of exchanged messages leaves diplomatic channels unclear and adds to unpredictability about de-escalation prospects.

Context limitations

The statements above reflect comments attributed to Iranian foreign ministry officials and a ministry spokesperson as reported by the semi-official Students News Network. The officials' remarks indicate positions and operational practices but do not provide additional details about timelines, specific targets, or further diplomatic engagement.

Risks

  • No ceasefire request increases the possibility of sustained hostilities and continued uncertainty for involved parties.
  • Selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz creates continued uncertainty for vessels associated with parties designated as adversaries.
  • Reported lack of communications with the U.S. leaves diplomatic channels unclear, complicating prospects for de-escalation.

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