The Iranian representative at the U.N. maritime agency, reported the semi-official Mehr News Agency on Sunday, said that Iran is ready to "cooperate" with the International Marine Organization to "improve?"maritime safety 'and protect seafarers within the Gulf.

Ali Mousavi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all shipping, except for vessels "linked to Iran's enemies". He added that it was possible to pass through this narrow waterway by coordinating safety and security arrangements with Tehran.

"Diplomacy is Iran's top priority." Mousavi added that the "current situation" in the Strait of Hormuz was a result of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Reporting by Dubai Newsroom, Editing by William Mallard

(source: Reuters)