Iran Allows India, Allies Passage Through Strait of Hormuz, Blocks Rivals

Iran has allowed the passage of vessels belonging to “friendly nations,” including India, through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to Abbas Araghchi.

Speaking on Thursday, Araghchi stated that ships from countries such as China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan are being permitted to transit the waterway. “We have allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations,” he said, while making it clear that access remains restricted for adversaries and their allies.

Selective Access to a Critical Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors, accounting for nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade—has been effectively restricted by Tehran amid ongoing hostilities in the Gulf region.

Araghchi emphasized that the closure is not absolute. “From our perspective, the Strait is not completely closed—it is closed only to enemies. There is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass,” he said, underlining Iran’s calibrated approach to maritime control.

UN Raises Alarm Over Global Impact

The development comes against the backdrop of growing international concern. António Guterres has called for the immediate reopening of the strait, warning of severe consequences for global energy markets and supply chains.

In a statement posted on X, Guterres said the prolonged disruption is “choking the movement of oil, gas, and fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season,” adding that civilians across regions are facing heightened insecurity. He reiterated that ending the conflict remains the most effective way to mitigate the crisis.

Tehran Rejects US-Backed Peace Proposal

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly rejected a 15-point peace plan backed by the United States, maintaining that any resolution to the conflict will be determined on its own terms. The reports come even as Donald Trump claimed that negotiations with Tehran are ongoing.

Trump asserted that Iranian representatives are keen to reach an agreement, suggesting internal pressures could intensify if talks fail.

Escalating Tensions in the Gulf

The situation underscores the fragile security environment in the Gulf, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a focal point in the broader geopolitical confrontation. Any prolonged disruption in the waterway is likely to have far-reaching implications for global energy security, trade flows, and economic stability.