Strait of Hormuz: Which Countries’ Ships Has Iran Allowed Safe Passage To?

Tehran, Iran (Al Jazeera / Reuters / Multiple Sources) — Amid one of the most acute disruptions to global energy shipping in decades, Iran has begun to selectively allow certain foreign vessels to transit the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz — but only under tightly controlled and highly politicized conditions. The Strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and lies between Iran and Oman, normally sees about 20 million barrels per day of oil transit — nearly a fifth of global petroleum supplies — and is one of the world’s most vital chokepoints for both oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The disruption stems from a widening military conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran closed much of the waterway to global shipping at the beginning of March — threatening that any vessel from nations it deems hostile could become a legitimate target. However, in recent days Tehran has shifted from a blanket closure toward a selective opening for certain countries’ vessels, highlighting evolving diplomacy and Tehran’s willingness to leverage maritime access for broader geopolitical goals.
1. Indian‑Linked Ships
One of the most notable developments has been Iran’s decision to allow Indian‑flagged or India‑bound vessels to sail through the Strait after diplomatic talks between Indian and Iranian officials. According to Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi, Tehran has granted safe passage for some Indian energy shipments, creating “rare exceptions” to its effective blockade. Two Indian‑linked LPG tankers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — were reported to have successfully transited the strait and are en route to India without naval escort.
India, heavily reliant on Gulf energy imports, has been actively negotiating with Tehran to secure continued supply routes. Officials in New Delhi have also called for transit clearance for dozens of its vessels stranded near the strait’s western entrance, underscoring the strategic importance of keeping maritime traffic alive even amid hostilities.
However, not all reports of Indian transits have been uniformly confirmed. Some sources — including Indian media — indicated earlier that at least two Indian oil tankers were poised to pass, but this was later denied by Iranian officials, illustrating the sensitivity and fluidity of the arrangements.
2. Pakistani Oil Tanker Karachi
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, a Pakistani‑operated Aframax oil tanker named Karachi was reported to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil for Pakistan. This marked the first openly tracked non‑Iranian commercial ship to transit the waterway since the conflict began, and it did so with its identification signal active — suggesting negotiated safe passage with Iranian authorities.
Islamabad’s balanced diplomatic stance — seeking good relations with Tehran while also engaging with other regional powers — appears to have been a key factor enabling this safe transit. Pakistan’s navy reportedly coordinated closely with Iranian authorities to secure assurances for the tanker’s movement without an escort, highlighting the role of bilateral diplomacy in bypassing the broader maritime disruption.
3. Bangladesh Energy Ships
Beyond India and Pakistan, Bangladesh has also secured assurances from Iran for safe passage for its energy vessels. Dhaka’s government engaged in diplomacy with Tehran, resulting in a commitment that Bangladeshi tankers carrying oil and LNG would not face obstruction when passing through the Strait, provided Iranian authorities are informed in advance.
Bangladesh’s efforts reflect its heavy dependence on energy imports from the Gulf and demonstrate how even smaller energy‑importing countries are seeking to negotiate exemptions amid escalating maritime risk.
4. China and Other Countries (Conditional or Proposed)
China — another major consumer of Middle Eastern oil — has been reported to be in ongoing talks with Iran to allow safe passage for its vessels, including crude oil and Qatari LNG shipments, though details remain emerging. Satellite tracking data suggest at least some Chinese‑associated ships have transited the strait under adjusted identifiers amid the crisis.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also signaled that vessels from Arab or European states that choose to expel U.S. and Israeli envoys from their territories could be granted the right to pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz — an overtly political condition linking diplomatic positions to maritime access.
5. Who Is Not Allowed
By contrast, Tehran has made clear that ships belonging to or serving the interests of the United States, Israel, or their allies will not be permitted to transit, and could be considered “legitimate targets” if they attempt passage. This has driven Western‑flagged and allied commercial vessels to halt or suspend operations in the Strait, causing a dramatic reduction in traffic and contributing to global energy price volatility.
Implications for Global Trade
The selective reopening offers a narrow lifeline for certain countries’ energy supplies, but Iran’s highly conditional approach — tied to diplomatic alignment and wartime politics — means that the Strait of Hormuz remains far from fully open. Even permitted transits occur under heightened risk, with insurance costs surging and shipping firms wary of unpredictable escalation.
As the conflict continues to shape who is allowed safe passage, the Strait of Hormuz has effectively become another arena for geopolitical competition — with Tehran using access as leverage in broader strategic negotiations.