Tehran:Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has announced that ships from India and four other “friendly nations” will be allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that vessels from India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq have not been subjected to any blockade and are being permitted to pass through the strait under coordinated arrangements with Iranian authorities.
He clarified that the Strait of Hormuz has not been completely closed, but warned that ships belonging to “hostile nations,” including the United States and Israel, or countries supporting them, would not be allowed to transit through the waterway.
“Several ship owners and their respective countries have contacted us to ensure safe passage. We have provided secure routes for nations we consider friendly. These include India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq. Some vessels have already passed safely in recent days,” Araghchi said.
The statement comes as the region faces heightened instability following the outbreak of conflict in Iran earlier this year. In response to US and Israeli actions, Iran has taken steps to restrict maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply passes.
The disruption has raised concerns over global energy security, affecting the supply of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers. Several international vessels remain stranded in the region as uncertainty continues over safe navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global trade, and any prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for international markets and oil prices.
