Iran has exempted commercial ships from four countries, including India and China, from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The decision comes at a time when there are constant attacks on ships trying to pass through this important sea route. Amir Hayat Moghadam, Vice Chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, made this announcement in an interview given to the ‘Iranian Students News Agency’ (ISNA) on Tuesday.
Amir Hayat said that currently we have exempted four countries India, China, Iraq and Qatar from restrictions imposed on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries can come and go without any restrictions and even the Americans cannot stop them. He said that this concession has been given keeping in mind some special considerations and mutual interests. He said the purpose of facilitating passage to Indian ships is to ensure import of medicines from India, while the concession given to Chinese ships is aimed at gaining political support from Beijing.
Why is Hormuz so important?
Actually, the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ is a narrow sea passage, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. In normal times, about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply comes through this route. However, since February 28, the movement of ships on this sea route has been severely affected. On that day, America and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, in response to which Iran also responded. Iran attempted to close this sea route soon after the US and Israeli bombardment began, and Washington responded a few weeks later by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran has imposed restrictions on ships
Iran has imposed strict restrictions on traffic on this route. It allows only a few ships to pass, while the rest are inspected and in some cases have to pay a transit fee. At least 15 Indian sailors have been killed in attacks on ships in the area since the conflict began in February. In the latest incident, an Indian sailor was killed in an attack on a commercial ship ‘MSV Al Jusufi’ near Limah, Oman on Monday.
India termed attacks on ships as alarming
India is continuously appealing for a solution to this conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India has termed the continuous attacks on commercial ships in the area as extremely alarming. India says targeting of commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the region should stop and movement and trade through international waterways should be restored as soon as possible without disruption, in accordance with international law.
