In a direct response to recent military actions by Israel and the United States, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to most maritime traffic, effectively halting the passage of commercial vessels. Tehran’s decision is intended as a retaliatory measure, yet a select number of countries have been granted limited transit rights through the crucial waterway.
According to Bloomberg, officials have confirmed that countries such as Turkey and India are permitted to send some of their ships through the strait. However, the number of vessels allowed is strictly controlled, and all authorisations are managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which oversees security in the region.
The closure has already had significant repercussions for global trade. Oil and gas supplies have been disrupted, causing international prices to rise sharply. Analysts warn that if the blockade continues, oil prices could exceed two hundred dollars per barrel. This situation comes as hostilities enter their third week, heightening concerns over prolonged market instability.
Despite these restrictions, a few successful transits have occurred. Most recently, Pakistan managed to send a tanker named Karachi through the strait. This represents one of the very few successful navigations since maritime operations were disrupted by the conflict.
Additionally, Al-Jazeera reports that the Iraqi Oil Minister has announced an agreement between Baghdad and Tehran. Under this arrangement, Iraqi oil tankers will be permitted to transit the strait. As of now, however, no Iraqi vessels have completed the journey.
The table below summarises the current status of maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz:
| Country | Transit Permission | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | Limited | IRGC approves and supervises transit |
| India | Limited | Only selected vessels allowed |
| Turkey | Limited | Small number of vessels permitted |
| Pakistan | One successful | Karachi tanker completed passage |
| Iraq | Pending | Agreement exists; no vessels yet |
Experts note that while limited transit provides some relief to affected countries, the overall blockade continues to strain international energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important chokepoints, carrying nearly one-fifth of global seaborne oil. Any extended disruption could worsen supply shortages, escalate global energy costs, and destabilise broader trade networks.
As the situation develops, observers worldwide are monitoring the strait closely. The resumption of normal maritime operations is seen as crucial to stabilising energy prices and ensuring the continuous flow of essential commodities.