TEHRAN – Strait of Hormuz continues to remains in news amid high-stakes geopolitical game. As ships sit anchored, waiting for clearance, as Iran exercises unprecedented control, letting only a select few nations through.
As the war rages on, Tehran is selectively controlling access to Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital energy chokepoint, allowing only handful of nations to navigate narrow waterway. The latest to secure safe passage is Philippines, offering a critical lifeline as Manila grapples with a deepening fuel crisis fueled by the ongoing Middle East war.
The move shows stark reality, the flow of global oil and gas is no longer governed by open maritime norms but by geopolitics. Since early March, traffic through the strait collapsed to a fraction of normal levels. Only 142 ships have passed, shipping data shows.
Russia
Commercial vessels now cleared, signaling closer Tehran-Moscow alignment.
Pakistan
After initial restrictions, Pakistan secured a formal agreement for vessel passage.
Philippines
Iran pledged to secure oil shipments, providing relief to Manila’s 116 million citizens facing a fuel emergency.
India
Multiple LPG and crude tankers, including Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik, and Nanda Devi, have successfully transited the strait.
China
Chinese vessels account for roughly 10% of the limited traffic; Beijing has called for a ceasefire in the Gulf.
Iraq
Iraqi-linked ships now approved following diplomatic talks.
Malaysia
Vessels reportedly allowed toll-free passage.
Thailand
Secured access after coordination; tankers crossing without paying fees.
Greece
Greek-owned ships make up around 15% of remaining non-Iranian traffic.
Ship movements plunged from over 100 daily pre-conflict to as few as three or four on some days. Around 2,000 vessels are stranded, waiting on either side for clearance under a pre-approved “toll booth” system that requires vetting by Tehran.
Iran is charging ships for passage, with some payments already made in Chinese Yuan. Fees of up to $2 million per voyage have been cited, though Iran denies enforcement. Parliament has approved a law to formally collect transit fees to ensure shipping security.
Friendly nations like China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan can pass, while non-hostile ships may cross if they follow Iranian regulations and avoid acts against Tehran. Vessels linked to the U.S., Israel, and their allies are strictly barred.
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