Amid mounting global energy concerns, Iran has allowed two India-flagged oil tankers to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz even as most vessels remain stranded due to fears of being caught in the ongoing Iran–US conflict that began on February 28.
The breakthrough reportedly came following diplomatic intervention by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. EAM Jaishankar spoke with Araghchi to also discuss the latest developments in the West Asia conflict.
The two ships started their transit through the Strait safely between Wednesday night and Thursday morning and an official statement on the development is still awaited, Hindustan Times reported.
The development comes two days after a Liberian-flagged tanker carrying Saudi Arabian crude oil, captained by an Indian, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and docked at Mumbai port in Maharashtra on Wednesday.
The tanker became the first India-bound vessel to safely navigate the waterway since maritime traffic slowed dramatically following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.
Iran Issues Warning to Vessels
The safe passage of the Indian ships comes amid Iran intensifying its stance over the Strait and issuing a warning to vessels. Tehran has asked ships passing through the route to seek its permission or risk being attacked.
Tensions rose further after two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel oil were struck by unidentified attackers in Iraq’s territorial waters, causing them to catch fire. The director general of the General Company for Ports, Farhan al-Fartousi, told Reuters that preliminary investigations by Iraqi security officials suggested the tankers were hit by explosive-laden boats from Iran.
At the same time, Rear-admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the Iranian naval officer who commands the IRGC Navy, said two ships, Express Rome and Mayuree Naree that had ignored Iran’s warnings were targeted in the Strait on Wednesday.
“Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait, but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said in a post on X.
Critical Global Oil Route
More than 20 million barrels of crude oil, roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption pass through the Strait of Hormuz every day. A large share of the world’s liquefied natural gas also moves through this narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.
Any disruption to this route can quickly impact global financial markets, supply chains and household energy costs worldwide. As the military confrontation between the United States and Iran continues for nearly two weeks, the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes has emerged as a major flashpoint. Iran has asserted control over the passage, while the US has challenged the claim.
What is the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but highly strategic waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and further to the Arabian Sea. Iran lies to the north of the strait, while Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are located to its south.
Many major oil-producing countries are situated around this region, making the strait a crucial route for global energy supply. A large share of the world’s oil exports is transported through this waterway to different parts of the world.
The Strait of Hormuz is about 167 km long. Its two ends are around 50 km wide, while the narrowest point is about 33 km wide. A designated shipping lane of about 3 km in width is used for incoming and outgoing sea traffic.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?
According to the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20% of the world’s total petroleum passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Every day, nearly 17.8 million to 20.8 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products are transported through this route.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says Iran itself exports about 1.7 million barrels of petroleum daily through the strait. The security of commercial ships using this route is handled by a unit of the US Navy.
Apart from Iran, other Gulf countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE also export most of their oil through the Strait of Hormuz. A significant portion of these exports is sent to Asian countries. In 2022, about 82% of the total oil passing through the strait was destined for Asia.