Iran has said it is allowing vessels from select countries, including India, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in the region, while restricting access to ships from countries it considers adversaries.
In an interview with Iranian state TV, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait was not fully closed and that ships from “friendly” nations were being permitted passage. According to a Reuters report quoting the interview, countries mentioned include India, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq.
Araghchi said several countries had coordinated with Iran to ensure transit through the strait, and that safe passage had been facilitated in such cases. However, he indicated that vessels from the United States, Israel and countries aligned with them in the conflict would not be allowed to pass.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy transit route, and any restrictions on movement through it have implications for oil supply and shipping costs.
