Iran's Hormuz Strait Blockade: New Developments with Oman-Flagged Vessels
Recent Developments in the Hormuz Strait
Tehran: In light of the ongoing blockade in the Hormuz Strait, three vessels flying the Omani flag were observed entering the strait near the Omani coast on Thursday (April 2), suggesting an alternative route through Iranian waters, as reported by Bloomberg. Among these vessels, two are identified as oil supertankers, while the third is a liquefied natural gas carrier. According to satellite data, these ships were seen moving eastward into the strait. All three are operated by the Oman Ship Management Company, as per information from the Equasis marine database. This development follows Iran's reported negotiations to facilitate the passage of certain merchant vessels from allied nations via a newly agreed northern route in its waters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway between Iran and Oman, has been under blockade by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) since February 28, coinciding with the escalation of conflict in the Middle East due to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. This strait is vital for global energy trade, with nearly 20% of the world's energy supplies passing through it.
Earlier on Thursday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi mentioned that Tehran is in the process of drafting a protocol with Oman to oversee the transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to state-run IRNA. However, there has been no official confirmation from Oman regarding this matter.
Iran's Policy on Friendly Nations: Last month, Iran declared its intention to permit select 'friendly nations'—including India, Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iraq—to continue their transit through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized that transit permissions were specifically granted to countries that maintain cooperative relations with Tehran.
New Toll Imposition on Vessels: Recent reports indicate that Iran plans to impose tolls on ships navigating through the Hormuz Strait. On Monday, the Iranian parliament reportedly approved measures to implement these tolls for vessels transiting this key waterway.
In response to these developments, India clarified on Thursday that it has not engaged in discussions with Iran regarding any tolls for ships passing through this critical route. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a press briefing, 'No such discussion with Iran.' The conflict in the Middle East has now entered its 35th day.