At a press briefing on April 23, 2026, in Hanoi, the spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pham Thu Hang, provided updates on the nation’s maritime safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East. She emphasized the ongoing efforts of Vietnamese agencies to ensure the safety of Vietnamese-flagged ships navigating the critical Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates the transit of about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
The ministry is actively engaging with Iranian authorities to address technical requirements needed for vessels seeking passage through the strait. This coordination includes collaboration with the Ministry of Construction and relevant Vietnamese shipping enterprises. Hang reassured that all Vietnamese vessels and crews operating in the Strait of Hormuz remain safe, as per information from Vietnamese missions in the Middle East and relevant shipowners.
The context of these efforts is critical, as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has faced significant disruptions due to a military conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which began in late February 2026. Following the outbreak of hostilities, Iran imposed a blockade, raising security concerns for vessels in the area. On April 18, Iranian military officials announced the strait’s closure shortly after it had been briefly reopened, claiming that its re-opening would not be possible under the current U.S. sanctions imposed on Iranian ports.
In addition, Hang addressed the matter of fuel supply security amidst the escalating tensions. She noted that Vietnamese authorities and enterprises involved in fuel import and export are proactively working to establish long-term supply contracts with regional and international partners. The strategy also includes efforts to diversify fuel sources, thereby minimizing reliance on any one market, which is crucial for sustaining production, business activities, and domestic consumption.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and taking necessary protective measures to address any emerging concerns for Vietnamese shipping and crew. The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight Vietnam’s proactive stance in safeguarding its maritime interests while navigating the complexities of geopolitical tensions in the region.
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