Iran Announces Exemptions from Strait of Hormuz Restrictions for India, China, Qatar and Iraq

Iran has exempted ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar from restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Amir Hayat Moghadam, deputy chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told a news agency that vessels from these four countries had been allowed to pass through the strategic waterway. “For the time being, we have exempted India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries can pass freely, and the Americans do not stop them either,” he said. Hayat Moghadam said the exemptions reflect mutual interests between Iran and the countries concerned. He added that Tehran was facilitating the passage of Indian vessels so that Iran could import medicines from India.

Iran Charges Transit Fees to Indian and Chinese Ships but Allows Qatari Vessels to Pass Free of Charge The senior Iranian parliamentarian said Tehran collects transit fees from Indian and Chinese ships but allows Qatari vessels to pass through without charge. The Iranian official further said that the exemption for Chinese ships was intended to secure political support from Beijing. Hayat Moghadam reiterated that Iran charges Indian and Chinese vessels transit fees while allowing Qatari ships to pass free of charge. However, he did not clarify whether transit fees are imposed on Iraqi vessels. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important shipping routes, carrying large volumes of oil and gas from Gulf countries to international markets.