Iran Allows India-Flagged Tankers To Pass Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Sources familiar with the discussions said at least two Indian-flagged tankers, MT Pushpak and MT Parimal, were sailing safely through the vital shipping corridor.

At the same time, vessels linked to the United States, Europe and Israel are still facing restrictions in the waterway.

Ensuring safe passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was a key issue when Jaishankar spoke with Araghchi earlier this week.

The two leaders discussed the security situation in West Asia and the risks facing commercial ships in the narrow maritime route.

The call marked their third conversation since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran last month.

People familiar with the talks said the movement of energy cargo through the Strait of Hormuz was among the main points discussed. However, the development has not been officially confirmed.

While Indian sources indicated that Iran had allowed India-flagged tankers to pass, an Iranian official later told Reuters that no formal permission had been granted to Indian vessels.

Despite the uncertainty, maritime sources said the two Indian-flagged tankers, Pushpak and Parimal, were already moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a related development, a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying Saudi crude oil and commanded by an Indian captain also crossed the waterway and later berthed at Mumbai Port.

The vessel, Shenlong Suezmax, loaded crude at the Saudi port of Ras Tanura on March 1 and departed two days later.

Maritime tracking data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence and TankerTrackers showed that the tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz on March 8 before reaching Indian waters.

Its transit was among the first successful movements of an India-bound tanker after shipping traffic slowed sharply due to the escalation of hostilities in the Gulf.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, warned that vessels attempting to cross the waterway without approval could face attacks.

Iranian officials have said that any ship intending to pass through the strait must first obtain permission from Iranian authorities.

Tangsiri also claimed that two vessels, Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, were struck after ignoring Iranian warnings and attempting to cross the strait.

Security concerns remain high in the region as attacks on commercial ships continue to rise. Per reports, at least six vessels were struck in the Gulf region on Thursday.

In another incident, a Thai-flagged cargo vessel, Mayuree Naree, was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz shortly after leaving Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.

According to the Royal Thai Navy, the ship was sailing toward Kandla Port in India when it came under attack while transiting the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The narrow passage connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and serves as a key route for global energy shipments.

Officials from India’s shipping ministry said 28 India-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 ships are located west of the Strait of Hormuz with 677 Indian seafarers onboard, while four vessels are east of the strait carrying 101 Indian crew members.

Authorities said shipping companies, recruitment agencies and Indian missions in the region remain in regular contact to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers.

A 24-hour control room has also been operating since February 28 at the Directorate General of Shipping to track developments and coordinate assistance if needed.

References: firstpost, businessstandard