On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that 'friendly nations' such as India, Pakistan, Iraq, China, and Russia have been permitted to utilize the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial Gulf waterway that has become a focal point in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.
The Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai announced in a statement that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, 'We have allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly countries such as China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a risk of triggering a worldwide energy crisis, with oil prices already on the rise and shortages reported in multiple nations. The Strait of Hormuz has become a contentious issue between the US and Iran, and it was also included in Tehran's conditions to cease hostilities. These demands were made by Iran in reaction to US President Donald Trump's 15-point peace proposal.
Tehran is seeking international acknowledgment and assurances of its rights to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz among various demands. Previously, Trump asserted that he and the 'Ayatollah' would jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz, a statement that Iran dismissed.
Government assures safety of Indian ships despite ongoing conflict
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Shipping confirmed that all Indian vessels and seafarers in the Gulf area are secure, despite worldwide worries about potential disruptions in energy supplies.During a joint inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, Rajesh Sinha, the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, announced that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are currently on their way to India.
According to Sinha, all Indian vessels and crew members in the Gulf area are secure, with no maritime incidents reported in the past 24 hours. Last evening, two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, both carrying LPG, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India.
Demands to open the Strait of Hormuz
International organizations, such as the United Nations, are urging the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz due to rising global fuel prices. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the extended closure of the Strait is severely restricting the flow of oil, gas, and fertilizer during a 'crucial period in the global planting season'.
Throughout the region and beyond, civilians are suffering significant harm and facing deep insecurity. The UN is striving to reduce the impact of the conflict. The most effective way to lessen these effects is straightforward: End the war immediately," he stated on X.
Previously, on March 25, the Iranian mission in New York announced that they would permit the transit of what they referred to as 'non-hostile vessels' through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement on X, it was declared that non-aggressive ships, including those linked to other nations, can enjoy safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as long as they do not engage in or support hostile actions against Iran and adhere to the established safety and security rules, in coordination with the relevant Iranian authorities.
The Iranian Defence Council has declared that the passage of 'non-hostile vessels' through the crucial Strait of Hormuz now requires prior 'coordination with Iranian authorities'.
Iran's strategy to impose a toll on the Hormuz Strait
Iran's parliament is said to be drafting a bill to impose a fee for ensuring the security of ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The semi-official Fars news agency reports that the plan is expected to be finalized next week. A lawmaker told Fars that they are working on a proposal to legally acknowledge Iran's sovereignty, control, and oversight in the Strait of Hormuz, while also generating revenue for the country through toll collection.