Iran Keeps Strait Of Hormuz Partly Open, Assures Safe Passage For India And Four Other Nations
Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Iran has announced that it will allow ships from five “friendly nations”, including India, to safely pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, even as restrictions remain in place for others.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, confirmed in an interview with state television that the key maritime route is not fully closed. Instead, Iran is selectively permitting vessels from countries with which it maintains positive diplomatic relations.
According to Araghchi, ships from India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq are being allowed to transit through the Strait of Hormuz without disruption.
He revealed that multiple countries had reached out to Iran requesting safe passage for their vessels. In response, Iranian authorities coordinated with these nations and ensured their ships could move through the waterway under protection.
Iran Rejects Pakistan-Brokered US Peace Proposal, Puts Forward 5 Conditions
“Some countries we consider friendly have been granted safe passage, and this coordination will continue,” Araghchi said, adding that even ships from Bangladesh had recently passed through the strait.
While offering relief to select countries, Iran has taken a firm stance against others. Araghchi made it clear that vessels linked to the United States, Israel, and certain Gulf nations involved in the ongoing regional conflict will not be allowed passage.
“We are in a state of war. There is no reason to allow ships of our enemies and their allies to pass,” he said, describing the region as an active war zone.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets. Any disruption in this narrow passage can significantly impact global energy supplies and shipping costs.
Araghchi also emphasized Iran’s growing control over the strait, stating that many initially doubted Tehran’s ability to enforce such restrictions.
For India, continued access to the Strait of Hormuz is crucial, as a large portion of its oil imports passes through this route. Iran’s assurance of safe passage provides temporary relief amid fears of supply disruptions and rising energy prices.
