Iran has granted five countries permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz to five countries it describes as friendly. These include Russia, India, Iraq, China and Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that these countries are permitted to use the strait for commercial shipping. According to him, Iran sees no reason to allow transit to vessels from states it considers adversaries, reports The Hindu.
“We have allowed certain countries that we consider friendly to pass through (the Strait of Hormuz). We have permitted transit for China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan,” he said.
He also stressed that the region is in a state of war, and therefore vessels linked to Iran’s adversaries will not be able to pass through the strait.
“We are at war. This region is a combat zone, and there is no justification for allowing the passage of our enemies’ vessels and their allies. But for others, it remains open,” Araghchi stated.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
Against the backdrop of shipping restrictions, oil and gas prices on global markets have risen.
Concerns about the stability of energy supplies are also growing. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of serious consequences if the strait is not fully opened.
India has announced diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in the region as quickly as possible and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
New Delhi also believes that prolonged restrictions on shipping could have serious consequences for the energy and food security of a number of countries.
