Iran's Ambassador Assures Sri Lanka of Oil Supply Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

In a recent press conference, Iran's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alireza Delkhosh, assured that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for friendly nations, including Sri Lanka. He emphasized Iran's readiness to supply oil and essential goods amid ongoing regional tensions. The conflict in West Asia has significantly affected global oil markets, coinciding with Sri Lanka's recent fuel price hikes. Delkhosh also addressed the sinking of an Iranian vessel by a US submarine, asserting it was not engaged in conflict. This incident raises critical questions about maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Read on to discover more about Iran's commitments and the implications of these developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 16:08 IST

Iran's Commitment to Sri Lanka Amid Regional Tensions

Colombo: The Iranian ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alireza Delkhosh, stated on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for vessels from friendly nations, emphasizing Iran's readiness to provide oil and essential goods to Sri Lanka if required.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has resulted in a blockade affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route responsible for transporting 20% of the world's energy supplies.

Since the conflict escalated on February 28, Iran has permitted only a limited number of ships to navigate through the strait.

During a press briefing, Delkhosh reassured that the strait is open for friendly nations, specifically mentioning Sri Lanka as a valued ally.

"Sri Lanka is our friendly country, and as I mentioned, Hormuz is not closed to our friends like Sri Lanka," he remarked.

"Should Sri Lanka require oil or any other vital goods, Iran is prepared to supply them," he added.

The conflict, which has significantly impacted global oil markets, has now entered its fourth week, coinciding with a 25% increase in fuel prices announced by the Sri Lankan government on Sunday.

This marks the third fuel price hike since March 1.

Delkhosh also addressed the recent incident involving an Iranian vessel that was sunk by a US submarine in international waters near Sri Lanka's coast, asserting that it was not engaged in any hostile activities.

"Dena was not prepared for war. It was not here for conflict but was participating in a peaceful exercise in India," he stated, labeling the attack as a breach of humanitarian law.

The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was returning from the Milan naval exercise, a multilateral drill hosted by India, when it was struck, resulting in the loss of at least 87 Iranian sailors.

Delkhosh noted that the Sri Lankan government had extended an invitation to the three Iranian vessels that participated in the Milan exercise to visit the country.

"This vessel, along with two others, was invited by the Sri Lankan side to come here, and they arrived upon that invitation," he explained.

He expressed appreciation to Sri Lanka for accommodating over 200 sailors from another vessel, IRIS Bushehr, primarily cadets, who were allowed to dock at Trincomalee after requesting entry due to engine failure.

The attack on the Iranian warship signifies a significant escalation in the US-Iran conflict beyond the Persian Gulf, raising concerns about maritime security in the Indian Ocean.