Iran Allows Limited Grain Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

Iran has begun allowing a limited number of cargo vessels carrying grains and agricultural commodities to transit the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as it seeks to safeguard essential food supplies amid its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Shipping data indicates that most of the vessels permitted passage have been under Greek management, making them among the few Western-linked ships navigating the corridor since hostilities escalated on February 28. The risks remain acute: the bulk carrier Star Gwyneth was struck by a missile on March 11, highlighting the volatility of the route.

Marine tracking analysis shows that at least six vessels discharged cargo at Imam Khomeini Port—a major commercial hub in Iran’s northern Gulf region—before transiting the strait between March 15 and 16. An additional five ships have used alternative navigation channels through the waterway since March 9, according to data from Kpler. Among them was the bulk carrier Giacometti, which transported Canadian soybeans into the Gulf.

Bulk carriers have constituted the majority of the limited maritime traffic following Iran’s effective imposition of a blockade in response to the conflict. Tehran’s control over the waterway has significantly disrupted global trade flows. The strait typically facilitates the passage of nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, and the current restrictions have contributed to heightened volatility in global energy markets.

The resumed shipments appear primarily aimed at stabilizing domestic food availability. Although Iran maintains a degree of agricultural self-sufficiency, it remains heavily reliant on imports of grains and oilseeds—critical for both edible oil production and livestock feed.

According to Andrey Sizov, Iran produces approximately 1.5 million tonnes of corn annually but depends on imports ranging between 8 million and 10 million tonnes, largely sourced from Brazil. He described agriculture as a key vulnerability, noting that longstanding water shortages have already placed significant strain on domestic production.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, Iran had accumulated strategic reserves of around 4 million tonnes of wheat—sufficient to meet domestic demand for roughly four months. Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh recently confirmed that bakeries have been allocated nearly two months’ worth of flour, while urging the public to refrain from panic buying.

Overall, the controlled reopening of limited shipping lanes underscores Iran’s attempt to balance wartime security concerns with the imperative of maintaining food supply stability.