Iran allows Bangladesh, five other countries continued access to Hormuz

Iran has confirmed that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain open for Bangladesh, India, and a select group of other countries, even amid the escalating Middle East conflict.

The narrow waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil typically passes, has been heavily restricted since last month’s US and Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Speaking to Iranian state media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that contrary to reports in Western media, the strait is not entirely closed.

“For countries we consider friendly, or for vessels we decide to allow, our armed forces have ensured safe passage,” he said.

He listed China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, India and Bangladesh as nations currently permitted to navigate the strait, adding that this arrangement is expected to continue even after the ongoing conflict.

Araghchi also stressed that vessels linked to adversarial nations or those involved in the war would not be granted transit.

“We are in a state of war. There is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through,” he said, highlighting restrictions on US, Israeli, and some Gulf-nation ships.

Earlier this week, Iran halted a Pakistan-bound container ship, SELEN, forcing it to reverse course due to missing transit authorisation. Iran continues to enforce its control over the Strait with missile and drone operations, causing global disruptions in oil and gas shipments.

Shipping volumes have plummeted sharply, with daily transits dropping by 95 per cent since the conflict began. Normally, about 120 vessels pass through the strait daily. Between 1 and 25 March, only 155 crossings were recorded, primarily by oil and gas carriers, most traveling eastward. On Wednesday, only two vessels were observed heading west.

The ongoing blockade is contributing to worldwide fuel shortages and affecting global supply chains, prompting governments and businesses - from airlines to supermarkets - to consider emergency support measures reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.