Hormuz is open for friendly nations, including India, says Iran minister

Iran has announced that the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz will remain accessible to “friendly nations” including India, even as tensions escalate in the Middle East conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the vital shipping route is not fully closed but is being selectively regulated, allowing passage only to countries considered non-hostile.

The Strait, a crucial global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass, has witnessed severe restrictions following the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel. Iran stated that countries such as India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq have been permitted safe passage after coordinating with Iranian authorities, with some vessels already transiting the route in recent days.

However, Tehran has made it clear that vessels linked to countries viewed as adversaries will not be allowed to pass through the strait. Officials indicated that ships associated with the United States, Israel, and certain allied nations involved in the conflict would be denied access, describing the region as an active war zone where security considerations take priority.

The controlled access policy comes amid a sharp disruption in global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with transit volumes dropping drastically due to heightened military activity and security risks. The restrictions have significantly impacted global supply chains, particularly in the energy sector, leading to concerns over fuel availability and rising costs worldwide.

Meanwhile, the development follows calls from António Guterres urging all sides to reopen the route fully and de-escalate the conflict to prevent further economic and humanitarian fallout. Iran has maintained that passage will remain available for non-hostile nations, provided coordination protocols are followed, as the situation continues to evolve.