Iran relaxes Strait of Hormuz restrictions on Indian ships

TEHRAN: Iran has relaxed restrictions on Indian vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, allowing them to pass through without obstruction. Ships from China, Iraq and Qatar have also been granted permission to transit freely, according to Amir Hayat-Moghaddam, Deputy Chairman of Iran's Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.

Ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without hindrance, and the United States will not stop them, Hayat-Moghaddam told the ISNA news agency. He said the exemption for Indian vessels was granted to facilitate the import of medicines from India, while China's exemption was intended to secure political support from Beijing.

The relaxation comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working aboard ships in the Gulf region. However, vessels from India and China will have to pay transit fees, while Qatari ships will be allowed to pass through without any charges. The Iranian official did not specify whether Iraqi vessels would be required to pay transit fees.