Iran names 5 ‘friendly nations’ free to use Strait of Hormuz – Russia and China included | World | News
Iran has begun selectively allowing oil and cargo ships from certain countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as the world grapples with rising energy prices amid its war with the United States and Israel. “For us, Hormuz is open,” Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yury Ushakov said on Thursday (April 2).
Iran has refused to completely close the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, stating that the strait is “closed only to enemies”. On March 26, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that ships owned by five countries would be allowed to pass through the critical waterway. According to shipping data cited by Lloyd’s List, just 142 ships have passed through the waterway since the beginning of March; This is usually equivalent to the amount that will pass in a single day.
Russia, China and India are reportedly among the five “friendly countries” currently allowed to use the Bosphorus. India has successfully crossed the Bosphorus in recent weeks, easing concerns over supply disruptions, with several LPG and crude oil consignments, including ships such as Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, clearly among Iran’s shortlist.
China-bound ships make up a significant portion of the limited traffic still ongoing in Hormuz. About 10 percent of the ships that managed to pass were Chinese-owned or connected to China, according to shipping data. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this week that three Chinese ships had passed through here recently. Beijing also called for a ceasefire and stability in the Gulf.
Iran has officially granted Russian ships permission to use the strait for commercial shipping, reinforcing the growing harmony between the two countries amid the conflict. However, unlike India and China, Russia, the world’s second largest oil exporter, is not dependent on energy resources from the Middle East.
Pakistan was included in Iran’s list of permitted countries. A tanker successfully crossed the strait in mid-March, but another ship was later turned away because it did not comply with Iranian protocols. According to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, after diplomatic talks, Pakistan reached an agreement for the ships to pass through the strait.
Following negotiations with Tehran, Iraq was designated as a “friendly country” allowing Iraq-bound ships to pass through the waterway.
More countries, including Malaysia and Thailand, are reportedly slowly being allowed access to the Strait. The Philippines emerged as the last country to secure safe passage. Manila said Iran had promised to allow oil shipments to pass through the strait, offering a critical lifeline to the import-dependent country of 116 million people struggling with a fuel emergency.
On Friday, April 3, the UN Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s draft resolution mandating the establishment of a “defense” force to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks. Describing the proposal as a “provocative action”, Tehran warned that it would only “complicate the situation” in the region.
