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Iran has imposed restrictions on shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East but has exempted commercial vessels from India, China, Iraq and Qatar.
While ships from other countries are facing various restrictions, vessels from the four countries have been allowed to pass through the waterway.
Amir Hayat Moghadam, deputy head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, disclosed the decision, saying the exemptions were granted based on mutual interests with Tehran.
Speaking to Iranian semi-official media, Moghadam said four countries — India, China, Iraq and Qatar — were currently exempt from the restrictions and their vessels were moving freely through the strait. He also claimed that the United States was not obstructing these ships.
He said one of the main reasons for allowing Indian vessels to pass was to ensure imports of medicines from India. China’s exemption, meanwhile, was linked to Tehran’s interest in maintaining Beijing’s political support.
However, the exemption does not necessarily mean free passage. According to media reports, Indian vessels may still have to pay transit fees to use the waterway.
The decision therefore ensures access to the Strait of Hormuz for vessels from the four countries but does not waive the financial costs of passage.
