Despite media reports claiming the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain open for India, Pakistan and several other “friendly countries” amid the escalating Middle East conflict, a foreign ministry official today said that Bangladesh has received no official communication from Iran in this regard.

Speaking to The Daily Star, 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.

According to media reports, Iran has allowed several “friendly nations,” including India, Pakistan, China, and Russia, to use the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made the remarks, according to Iranian state television.