Kumar Bahukhandi
Iran has provided India with an assurance of security concerning the Strait of Hormuz-Photo Credit – Reuters
Amidst attacks by the US and Israel, Iran has tightened security measures in the Strait of Hormuz. Only vessels belonging to friendly nations are currently permitted to pass through this route, and transit fees are now being levied on ships. In light of these developments, Iran has extended a significant assurance to India.
Tehran: Iran has assured India that there is no need for concern regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. On Thursday April 2, 2026 , Iran gave assurances that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are in safe hands, and therefore, India should remain unconcerned.
On February 28, a conflict erupted between the United States and Israel against Iran; in retaliation, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime route for global trade. This passage is critical for gas and oil supplies, as approximately 20% of the global oil trade passes through it. Consequently, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil and gas prices to skyrocket. Amidst this situation, Iran has granted permission to vessels from certain friendly nations—such as India, China, and Russia—to pass through the Strait.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been issuing continuous threats to Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Against the backdrop of these threats, the Iranian Embassy in South Africa posted a tweet on the social media platform X, stating that the future of the Strait of Hormuz would be determined solely by the nations within whose territorial jurisdiction it falls—namely, Iran and Oman.
The Embassy wrote, “The future of the Strait of Hormuz will be determined solely by Iran and Oman. You are in safe hands; do not panic.”
Retweeting this post, the Embassy of Iran in India wrote, “Our Indian friends are in safe hands; there is no cause for concern.”
Only Ships from Friendly Nations Permitted to Pass Through Hormuz
Last week, Iran stated that it is granting permission to friendly nations to traverse the Strait of Hormuz. Its list of “friendly” nations includes India, China, Russia, Iraq, and Pakistan.
In recent days, Iran has also been facilitating passage through the Strait of Hormuz for Malaysian vessels. Just this week, oil and gas tankers from Bangladesh also successfully transited the Strait. Despite escalating military tensions in the region, Iran continues to authorize movement through this volatile maritime route.
However, Iran has explicitly stated that it will not permit vessels linked to the United States, Israel, or their allies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has offered these assurances to India regarding the Strait of Hormuz at a time when India has renewed its energy cooperation with the country.
According to a report, India has purchased a consignment of LPG from Iran—the first such purchase since 2018. These imports had ceased in 2019 following the imposition of Western sanctions. India’s imports from Iran are also transported via the Strait of Hormuz.
