“Friends have a special place”: Iran says Hormuz is open after Thai vessel passage

2026-03-25 - 08:30

“When we say the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, we mean it. And for the record, friends have a special place.” That was the message shared by Iran’s embassy in South Africa on X, resharing a statement from its Bangkok mission about the safe passage of a Thai vessel through the strategic waterway. The Bangkok embassy had said the Thai ship passed safely thanks to close coordination between Iran, Thailand, and the Sultanate of Oman. The statement highlighted Iran’s friendship with Thailand, adding that it “will not forget its friends.” Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed Thailand had informed Iran it is not a party to any regional conflict and requested safe passage for Thai vessels. Iran agreed and asked for a list of ships, which Thailand submitted. Two vessels were included: one operated by Bangchak and another by SCG Chemicals. The Bangchak vessel has already returned to Thailand, while the second is expected to follow safely.