July 13th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
A Russian APS journalist asked that due to the resumption of the conflict between the US and Iran, Iran announced yesterday that it would close the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated earlier this week that Iran would review requests for ships to navigate through the strait. What is the comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this?
Lin Jian stated that the Hormuz Strait is a strait used for international navigation. Reestablishing the safety and free passage of the strait at an early date is in the interests of all parties. The issue of maritime traffic through the strait should be handled properly, and the general concerns of the international community should be addressed sensibly. China is willing to maintain communication with relevant countries and the international community on this matter.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy of Iran announced in the early morning of the 12th that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed from now on, until further notice, and until the United States stops interfering in this region.
The US Central Command also stated on social media on the same day that 'everything is normal' in the Hormuz Strait, and Iran does not control the strait. U.S. President Trump also insisted that the Hormuz Strait is 'open' and that 'we bombed them (Iran) hard last night.'
