Iran Grants Hormuz Passage Exemption to Indian

Iran has announced special exemptions for vessels from India and some of its friendly countries to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz without facing the restrictions imposed on commercial ships from other nations. Amir Hayat, Deputy Chairman of Iran’s Foreign Policy Committee, said ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar would be allowed to navigate the strait freely. However, the vessels would still be required to pay transit charges. He said the decision was aimed, among other things, at facilitating the supply of medicines from India to West Asian countries.

Hayat stated that the exemptions were granted in view of Iran’s diplomatic and economic interests. He added that the move would help ease medicine imports from India and secure political support from China. He also claimed that vessels from these countries would not be stopped by the United States. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global shipping route for oil transportation, and restrictions on maritime traffic through the waterway remain in place.