NEW DELHI: Iran has reiterated that Indian vessels are exempt from restrictions imposed on shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with a senior parliamentary official confirming that ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar can pass through the waterway without limitations.
Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, Vice Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the exemptions had been granted to four countries, allowing their vessels to continue navigating the strait.
Speaking at a meeting to review Iran’s economic and security situation, Hayat-Moghaddam said the decision involving India was linked to Tehran’s need to import medicines.
He also referred to China’s political support and financial ties with Iran as factors behind the exemption.
“Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we have already ‘pardoned’ four countries. Right now, India, China, Iraq and Qatar. They are free, meaning they are free from our point of view. The Americans also have no issues with them. They go back and forth through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Explaining the arrangement with India, he added, “We have done this for the Indians so that we can import medicine.”
On China, the Iranian official said Tehran had allowed unrestricted passage to maintain political support, while also acknowledging the financial benefits of the relationship.
The statement on shipping exemptions comes amid growing concerns over a possible resumption of direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States.
According to Al Arabiya, internal assessments in Tehran now consider a renewed war with Washington the most likely scenario.
Despite these military projections, senior political leaders are pressing the country’s military establishment to consider a diplomatic route to prevent further escalation.
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