Iran Allows Safe Passage for Ships from Several Countries in Strait of Hormuz

Iran Allows Certain Nations’ Vessels to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz

Tehran has announced that it is permitting a limited number of ships from specific countries to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait, which accounts for one-fifth of global oil shipments, was previously closed by Iranian authorities following a statement by Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on March 2.

According to reports, vessels from Pakistan, India, and Turkey have been allowed to pass through the strait. A Pakistani-flagged tanker called Karachi sailed out of the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, while two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas passed through the strait on Saturday. Additionally, a Turkish-owned ship was permitted to transit after receiving permission from Iranian authorities.

China is also in talks with Iran to allow its vessels safe passage through the strait, according to Reuters. China receives 45% of its oil via the Strait of Hormuz and has expressed concerns about the blockade’s impact on global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump has called for a naval coalition to deploy warships to secure the strait, stating that he hopes other nations affected by the blockade will join the effort. However, no promises have been made by the countries mentioned, including France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK. Germany and Greece have ruled out military involvement in the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Tehran had received requests from several countries seeking safe passage for their vessels, which would be determined by Iranian military authorities.

Source: Al Jazeera