India, March 15 -- Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping but effectively closed to vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, and countries involved in attacks against the Islamic Republic, a move that highlights the growing maritime dimension of the war triggered after Israel attacks Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international markets remains accessible to most nations, dismissing speculation that Tehran had imposed a blanket blockade on global shipping.

"The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass...