FROM PAGE 1

we consider friendly, or in cases where we have decided to do so for other reasons, our armed forces have provided safe passage,” Araghchi said while talking to Iranian state TV.

“You have seen on the news: China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India. Two of its ships passed through a few nights ago, and some other countries, and even Bangladesh, I believe. These are countries that spoke with us and coordinated with us, and this will continue in the future as well, even after the war,” he added.

Contacted, a foreign ministry official told The Daily Star yesterday that Bangladesh has received no official communication from Iran in this regard.

The official, however, said Iran has issued no order since the war began that bars Bangladeshi ships from using the Strait of Hormuz.

“We are not an enemy country. So, there is no question of not allowing our ships,” the official said.

He also said Bangladesh has not chartered any ship scheduled to pass through the Strait of Hormuz over the next two months.

Bangladesh is importing fuel from various sources, and there should not be worries about the matter, the official said.

Meanwhile, Araghchi said that the countries that are involved in the ongoing war will not be allowed passage.

“We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through. But it remains open to others,” he said.