Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most nations, but not to the United States and its allies. That matters because about one fifth of the worlds oil shipments move through this narrow waterway.

How this started

On March 2, a senior adviser to the commander in chief of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that the strait was closed and that any ship attempting to cross could be attacked. The statement pushed oil prices sharply higher. Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel from a pre-war level near $65. On Monday a barrel of Brent was reported at $105.70, up 2.5 percent and more than 40 percent above the level before the conflict began on February 28.

Who Iran says it has allowed through

Pakistan

A Pakistani-flagged Aframax tanker named Karachi sailed out of the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities confirmed access in that case.

India

Irans ambassador to India said Tehran made an exception for some Indian vessels. New Delhi reported two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas to western India passed safely through the strait.

Turkiye

Turkish officials said a Turkish-owned ship that had been waiting near Iran received permission to pass after Tehran approved its transit. Turkish authorities noted that about fifteen Turkish-owned vessels had been waiting and one that had used an Iranian port was allowed to continue.

Other countries asking for safe passage

Irans foreign minister said several countries had approached Tehran asking for safe passage and that the military would decide on those requests. Some specific cases and reports include:

  • China: Reported to be in talks with Iran to secure passage for crude oil and some liquefied natural gas carriers. China gets a large share of its oil through the strait.
  • France and Italy: Both countries have reportedly requested talks with Iran about allowing their ships to pass.

What about a naval escort or coalition?

The US president called for a naval coalition to help keep the strait open and urged countries such as China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom to send ships. Several of the governments named have not committed to joining such an operation.

Germany and Greece explicitly ruled out military involvement while the United Kingdom said it would not be drawn into the wider conflict. Analysts note practical difficulties as well: allies that oppose the war are less inclined to help, and assembling a naval protection force takes time.

Bottom line

Tehran has allowed a limited number of foreign-flagged vessels to pass, with Pakistan, India and at least one Turkish-owned ship confirmed. China, France and Italy are among the countries seeking access or negotiating for safe passage. Whether a wider naval coalition will form to secure the strait remains uncertain.

This summary reflects official statements and media reports available as of mid March.