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Iran grants special Hormuz passage exemption to four countries
Published : Thursday, 5 November, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Observer Online Report
Iran has granted special exemptions to commercial vessels from India, China, Iraq and Qatar to navigate the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
However, despite the exemption, the vessels may still have to pay designated transit fees.
Amir Hayat-Moqaddam, vice-chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, disclosed the information. He said vessels from the four countries were currently enjoying relatively unrestricted passage through the strait. Even the United States was not obstructing their movement, he added.
According to a report by Indian media outlet NDTV, one of the key reasons behind the exemption for Indian vessels is to facilitate imports of essential medicines from India. In China's case, Tehran aims to maintain Beijing's political support and strategic relationship.
However, the exemption does not mean vessels can use the Strait of Hormuz free of charge. Indian vessels may still have to pay the designated transit fees. In other words, Iran's decision concerns permission for passage, not a waiver of transit charges.
China holds considerable political and economic importance for Iran. It is one of the major buyers of Iranian oil and an important partner of Tehran in various economic and diplomatic fields. By facilitating the movement of Chinese vessels, Iran seeks to strengthen its bilateral relations with Beijing.
India also maintains important trade relations with Iran. Tehran relies on India for imports of essential goods, particularly medicines.
Qatar and Iraq also have special strategic significance for Iran. Qatar is one of the world's leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and plays an important role in maintaining maritime routes in the Gulf region. Iran, meanwhile, considers Iraq's security and stability closely linked to its own regional security.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Around 20 per cent of the world's energy supplies are transported through this waterway, making it crucial to international energy trade.
The situation deteriorated rapidly after the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation targeting Iran on February 28. Alongside retaliatory attacks, Tehran imposed strict restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Washington later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Since then, although certain vessels have been permitted to pass through the strait, others have faced strict security inspections. In some cases, they have also been required to pay substantial transit fees.
Meanwhile, at least 15 Indian sailors have been killed in attacks on vessels in the region since the conflict began. Most recently, an Indian sailor was killed in an attack on a commercial vessel named MSV Al Yousufi near Lima, Oman, on Monday evening.
India has expressed deep concern over attacks on commercial vessels. It has also continued to emphasise resolving the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
-MT
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
