6 countries including Bangladesh to get safe passage through Hormuz: Iran

Ships from Bangladesh and five other countries will not be targeted in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said. The other five countries are India, China, Russia, Pakistan and Iraq.

In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Araghchi said the strait has not been completely closed, but vessel movement is being regulated. "Many countries have already contacted us and requested safe passage for their commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Among them, we consider many as allies," he said.

"As far as I know, the IRGC has decided not to attack commercial ships from six countries in the Strait of Hormuz. These countries are China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, India and Bangladesh. We have spoken with their governments, and they have agreed to coordinate with us. Commercial ships from these six countries will always have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, even during war."

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial international trade route, particularly for energy transportation, carrying about one-fifth of the global oil supply. Since the war with the US and Israel began on February 28, Iran has imposed restrictions in the strait, disrupting global fuel supplies, driving up prices and causing difficulties for many countries.

Iran had previously stated that the restrictions would only apply to "hostile" nations like the US, Israel and their allies, while ships from non-hostile or friendly nations would face no obstacles.

However, Iran has imposed certain regulations even for ships from allied countries, including the requirement to obtain prior permission from Iran's maritime authorities before entering the strait.

Meanwhile, Iran's parliament has decided to draft a law requiring foreign ships using the Strait of Hormuz to pay a toll, Iranian media outlet Fars reported on Thursday.

Source: Reuters