Iran appears to be allowing some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz under selective approval

First covered Saturday, March 21, 2026International AffairsWell-covered

The Facts

Iran appears to be allowing some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz after vetting or diplomatic coordination rather than opening the waterway broadly.
Reports say vessels from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia and Iraq have been among those discussed or allowed for passage through the strait.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait is open to ships from countries Iran does not consider enemies and that Iran is ready to provide safe passage after discussions.
One Indian liquefied petroleum gas tanker was guided through the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian Navy after diplomatic engagement by New Delhi, according to a crew member and multiple reports.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with multiple sources citing a decline of about 95% from pre-war levels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy chokepoint, with sources saying roughly one-fifth of the world's oil or oil-and-gas supplies normally pass through it.
A tanker identified as Jamal was reported to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz while disguising itself as a broken or scrapped vessel, according to tracking data cited by multiple outlets.

Context

Has Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz?

No broad reopening is described in the sources. Instead, the reporting says Iran is allowing selected ships to pass after vetting or negotiation, while keeping traffic heavily restricted NYT Al Jazeera Online Bloomberg Business.

Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter?

It is a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy trade, with sources saying about one-fifth of the world's oil or oil-and-gas supplies normally move through it NYT BBC SCMP Financial Post.

What evidence is there that some ships are being singled out for passage?

Multiple reports say Iran has let certain vessels through after checking details such as flag, origin, destination and crew, and one Indian tanker was reportedly guided by the Iranian Navy on a pre-approved route Bloomberg Business Anadolu Ajansı Economic Times.

Iran appears to be allowing some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz after vetting or diplomatic coordination rather than opening the waterway broadly.
Reports say vessels from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Malaysia and Iraq have been among those discussed or allowed for passage through the strait.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait is open to ships from countries Iran does not consider enemies and that Iran is ready to provide safe passage after discussions.
One Indian liquefied petroleum gas tanker was guided through the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian Navy after diplomatic engagement by New Delhi, according to a crew member and multiple reports.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply, with multiple sources citing a decline of about 95% from pre-war levels.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy chokepoint, with sources saying roughly one-fifth of the world's oil or oil-and-gas supplies normally pass through it.
A tanker identified as Jamal was reported to have crossed the Strait of Hormuz while disguising itself as a broken or scrapped vessel, according to tracking data cited by multiple outlets.

Iran appears to be allowing some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz under selective approval

The Facts

Context

Independent coverage (44)

Facts first. Then every angle.

Iran appears to be allowing some ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz under selective approval

The Facts

Context

Independent coverage (44)

Facts first. Then every angle.