India Gets Safe Passage as Iran Spares 5 Friendly Countries in Hormuz Crisis

Iran said it has not fully closed the Strait of Hormuz and continues to allow ships from five “friendly nations,” including India, to pass. In an interview with state TV, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi explained that Iran is coordinating with select countries to ensure safe transit through the strategic waterway amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

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Iran Blocks US, Israel-Linked Ships Amid Ongoing Conflict

Araghchi stated that vessels from India, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq have already received safe passage after their governments or shipowners requested clearance. He added that Iran’s armed forces actively escort or facilitate these ships, and the arrangement may continue even after the conflict ends. He also indicated that other nations, including Bangladesh, have coordinated with Iran for similar access.

At the same time, Iran has denied transit to ships linked to the United States, Israel, and certain Gulf nations involved in the ongoing conflict. Araghchi emphasized that Iran considers the region a war zone and sees no reason to permit vessels from adversarial countries or their allies, while keeping the route selectively open for friendly nations.

The partial blockade followed joint US-Israeli military actions against Iran, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to restrict movement through the strait. The disruption shook global energy markets, as the route handles nearly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments. It also caused LPG shortages in India, which relies heavily on imports through this corridor, though the situation improved after stranded vessels such as Nanda Devi and Shivalik were eventually allowed to pass.

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