Full list of ‘friendly’ countries Iran’s given permission to use Strait of Hormuz | World | News
Iran has targeted foreign owned ships and threatened to mine the strait (Image: Getty)
US President Donald Trump has delayed his threat to obliterate Iran’s energy plants over its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran measures designed to restrict transit through the crucial passage, through which around 20% of the world’s oil is moved, has seen fuel prices surge across the globe.
Tehran has been accused of holding “the global economy hostage”, with countries not deemed to be “friendly” towards the regime restricted. Following an initial closure to all sea-traffic, Iran has begun to allow a handful of countries to move some of their exports through the strait. Below are some of those who have seen ships displaying their flags to pass through.
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Movement through the vital strait has been heavily restricted by Tehran’s threats (Image: Getty)
China
China has long had cordial relations with the regime in Tehran and relies heavily on a strait which sees 45% of its oil pass through each year.
According to Reuters, ship tracking data has shown ships claiming to be “chinese owned” passing through the narrow strip, although not in a quantity that will quell rising fuel prices in the world’s second-largest economy.
Pakistan
Between March 14 and 15, a Pakistan-bound tanker successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz — the first such transit since the conflict began.
But just days later, a second tanker heading for Pakistan was turned back by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after failing to comply with required protocols.
According to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Pakistan is now considered among the “friendly countries” permitted to transit the strait.
China is one of a few ‘several countries’ able to transit through (Image: Getty)
Russia
Russia and Iran are well known for having a strong relationship, with Vladimir Putin relying on Iranian drones and parts of weapons throughout his war in Ukraine.
Moscow was one of the key beneficiaries of the rise in oil price arising from the outbreak of conflict, with Vladimir Putin able to generate greater sales from Russian oil to add to his war chest.
Naturally, a rise in oil price can only be capitalised upon if Russian oil is able to be transported to global markets, with the Kremlin able to do so thanks to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi naming the country as a friendly nation able to transit through.
India
India is another country named by Araghchi as being friendly enough to pass through the strait.
Since fighting erupted on February 28, it is believed that several Indian-flagged vessels — including Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik and Nanda Devi — have successfully crossed the strait following diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage.
Thailand
While not a global player on the world energy market, a Thai oil tanker has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz following diplomatic coordination between the two countries, with officials confirming no payment was required to pass through the blockade.
Early on in the conflict, the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree was hit while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. However, in the weeks isnce, the Bangchak Corporation-owned vessel crossed the strategic waterway, after successful talks between Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Iran’s ambassador to Thailand, reports the Hindu.
