Iran Exempts Commercial Vessels From China, India, Iraq, and Qatar in Hormuz

Iran has granted unrestricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels from China, India, Iraq, and Qatar, according to Marine Insight. Amir Hayat-Moghaddam, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, confirmed the exemptions, noting that commercial traffic from these four nations is not being blocked by U.S. forces.

Hayat-Moghaddam stated that Chinese vessels were granted access to the strategic waterway to strengthen bilateral diplomatic relations and secure political support from Beijing. Indian ships were exempted due to Tehran's ongoing procurement of Indian pharmaceuticals. While Iranian authorities collect transit fees from Indian and Chinese vessels, Qatari ships pass without charge, and the payment status of Iraqi vessels remains unclarified.

The passage exemptions take place amid maritime restrictions and conflict in the Gulf. The European Union noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy requires transiting vessels to submit identification, cargo details, origins, and destinations. According to the International Maritime Organisation, roughly 70 commercial vessel attacks occurred between February and August, resulting in the deaths of 19 seafarers.

The shipping corridor remains critical for Indian Ocean and Gulf energy flows. India relies on the Strait of Hormuz for 30% of its crude imports, 90% of its LPG imports, and over 50% of its LNG supplies sourced from Qatar and the UAE, alongside crude purchases from Fujairah.