Iran has said it will continue to allow commercial shipping by India and other “friendly nations” through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions in the region disrupt global energy flows.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that vessels linked to countries considered adversaries of Iran will not be permitted to transit the narrow waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and carries nearly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies.
His remarks come after Iran effectively restricted access to the strait amid the ongoing regional conflict, triggering a sharp surge in global oil and gas prices and raising alarm across international markets.
Araghchi emphasized that while the region remains a “war zone,” Iran sees no reason to block passage for nations it considers friendly, including India, China, and Russia. However, he warned that ships associated with hostile nations and their allies would continue to face restrictions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Tehran, cautioning of “severe consequences” if the waterway is not fully reopened to all international shipping.
India, heavily dependent on West Asia for its energy needs, has intensified diplomatic outreach in recent weeks, urging de-escalation and calling for the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
West Asia remains a critical energy source for India, and any prolonged disruption in shipping through the corridor could have significant implications for the country’s energy security and trade stability.