In view of the increasing pressure on fuel supply routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to the West Asia conflict, sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged ships to safely pass through the strait, where maritime traffic has almost come to a standstill following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Earlier, the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) naval force had said that ships trying to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran’s permission; Otherwise, they could become targets of Iranian attacks.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said two ships in the strait were targeted on Wednesday that ignored Iran’s warnings.
“Were the ships assured safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This question should be asked of the crews of the ships named Express Rome and Mayuri Nari, who today ignored warnings, relying on empty promises, and intended to cross the strait, but were caught. Any ship that wants to pass through must obtain permission from Iran,” the Iranian general said in a post on Twitter.
According to Iranian state media, Iran has tightened its restrictions on ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran has said that ships that do not serve the interests of the United States and Israel can safely pass through the strait.
More than 20 million barrels of crude oil is transported daily through the narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman. This volume represents approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption and approximately one-quarter of seaborne oil trade.
A significant part of the world’s liquefied natural gas also passes through this waterway. When these flows are disrupted, even for a short period, it has serious consequences for financial markets, supply chains and household budgets around the world.
Meanwhile, India’s Shipping Ministry said on Wednesday that 28 Indian-flagged ships are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these, 24 ships are located in the west of the Strait of Hormuz, with 677 Indian sailors on board, while four ships are located in the east of the Strait, with 101 Indian sailors on board. The ministry said their safety is being actively monitored.
A 24-hour control room is operational in the Ministry and the Directorate General of Shipping from 28 February 2026 to monitor developments and provide assistance coordination.
Officers, ship managers and recruitment agencies are coordinating closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and provide assistance wherever required.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring the evolving maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region, paying special attention to the safety of Indian sailors and Indian-flagged ships. The ministry further said that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers and protecting India’s maritime interests.
