Iran has announced a special exemption allowing commercial ships from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar to transit the strategically important Strait of Hormuz despite broader maritime restrictions imposed in the region. The announcement was made by Amir Hayat Moqaddam, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, who said the exemption was introduced to serve Iran’s economic and strategic interests. According to Iranian officials, Indian vessels will be allowed to pass through the waterway after paying transit fees, while the arrangement is expected to facilitate the continued import of medicines and other essential goods from India. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports.

The decision is particularly significant for India, which continues to depend heavily on the Gulf region for its energy requirements. Although India has diversified its crude oil imports by increasing purchases from countries such as Russia, the United States, and several African nations, the Strait of Hormuz remains a vital corridor for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and fertilizer imports. A large proportion of India’s LPG supplies and more than half of its LNG imports from Qatar and the UAE continue to pass through the narrow waterway. The exemption is expected to reduce concerns over disruptions to energy supplies and provide greater certainty for Indian shipping companies operating in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The announcement comes after months of instability in the Gulf, where attacks on commercial vessels have claimed the lives of several Indian seafarers and injured many others. Multiple merchant ships carrying Indian crew members have come under attack near Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious concerns about maritime security. Iran imposed tighter shipping controls following the escalation of conflict with the United States and Israel earlier this year, leading to widespread disruption of commercial shipping. While hostilities have continued despite temporary ceasefire efforts, the latest exemption for Indian vessels is being viewed as an important development that could help safeguard India’s trade routes and maintain the steady movement of essential cargo through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.