Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday confirmed that Iran has allowed vessels from “friendly nations” such as India, Pakistan, Iraq, China and Russia to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the ongoing Iran-US conflict.
India allowed transit through Strait of Hormuz
The Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai posted on X, quoting Araghchi: “We permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.”
#Iran FM Abbas #Araghchi: We permitted passage through the Strait of #Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/RvLtiwYB4v
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) March 25, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supply, has become a flashpoint in the conflict. The closure of the Strait has trigger a worldwide energy crisis, with oil prices already surging and shortages reported in several countries.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the unfolding geopolitical crisis between Iran and the US. The passage of ships is also tied to Iran’s broader demands in response to US President Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan. Tehran seeks international recognition and guarantees of its rights to exercise full sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Trump had claimed that he and the ‘Ayatollah’ would jointly control the strait, a statement strongly rejected by Iran.
Indian vessels safe: Govt
Amid the tension, India has assured the safety of its vessels and sailors in the Gulf. At a joint inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Rajesh Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, said, “two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, both are loaded with LPG. Both vessels safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are headed towards India.”
‘Non-hostile’ vessels permitted with coordination: Iran
On March 25, Iran’s mission in New York said that “non-hostile vessels” would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions.
Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may—provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations—benefit from safe passage through the…
— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) March 24, 2026
In a post on X, the mission stated, “Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may–provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations–benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.”
The Iranian Defence Council has since clarified that such transit will now depend on prior coordination with Iranian officials, tightening control over the crucial shipping route.
Iran drafting bill to impose fee on vessels passing through Hormuz
Additionally, Iran’s parliament is said to be drafting legislation to impose a fee on ships in exchange for ensuring their security while passing through the Strait. According to the semi-official Fars news agency, the proposal could be finalised next week.
“We are pursuing a proposal in which Iran’s sovereignty, control, and oversight in the Strait of Hormuz are formally recognized in law, and through the collection of tolls, a source of revenue is also created for the country,” a lawmaker was quoted as saying.