Cyprus Times

Iran Selectively Allows Ships to Transit Strait of Hormuz

Published March 17, 2026, 20:06
Iran Selectively Allows Ships to Transit Strait of Hormuz

Iran is selectively allowing ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from ship tracking systems. Despite Tehran having closed access to the Strait to ships it does not consider friendly, it is allowing vessels from allied countries to pass through. At least five ships passed through the Strait via Iranian waters on March 15 and 16. The new route demonstrates that Iran is exercising control over the passage of ships, allowing only vessels not connected to the US or its allies to pass. Many of the ships that passed were bulk carriers and a Pakistani-flagged oil tanker. The majority of the oil passing through the Strait is headed to Asia, primarily China. Several countries have begun talks with Iran to secure the passage of their ships, while the United States is pushing for military protection of shipping in the region. Ships from India and Turkey have been able to transit the Strait with Iranian permission.