Iran names 5 ‘friendly nations’ free to use Strait of Hormuz - Russia and China included

Iran has begun selectively allowing oil and cargo vessels from certain countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as the world is gripped by soaring energy prices amid its war with the US and Israel. “For us, Hormuz is open,” Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov said on Thursday (April 2).

Iran has denied completely shutting down the Strait, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, stating that it is "closed only to enemies". On March 26, the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, announced that ships owned by five nations would be allowed to transit the crucial waterway. Since early March, just 142 ships have transited the waterway, equivalent to what would typically pass in a single day, according to maritime data cited by Lloyd’s List.

Russia, China and India are reported to be among the five “friendly nations” currently allowed to use the Strait. India has been explicitly named among Iran’s short list, with multiple LPG and crude shipments - including vessels like Jag Vasant, Pine Gas, Shivalik and Nanda Devi - having successfully crossed the Strait in recent weeks, easing concerns over supply disruptions.

Chinese-linked vessels account for a notable share of the limited traffic still moving through Hormuz. Around 10% of the ships that managed to pass were Chinese-owned or affiliated, according to shipping data. China’s Foreign Ministry said this week that three Chinese ships recently sailed through. Beijing has also called for a ceasefire and stability in the Gulf.

Iran has formally authorised Russian vessels to use the strait for commercial shipping, reinforcing growing alignment between the two countries amid the conflict. Unlike India and China, however, Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter, does not rely on energy supplies from the Middle East.

Pakistan has been included in Iran’s list of permitted countries. A tanker successfully crossed the strait in mid-March, although another vessel was later turned back for failing to comply with Iranian protocols. Following diplomatic discussions, Pakistan secured an agreement for vessels to cross the strait, according to Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

After negotiations with Tehran, Iraq has been designated a “friendly nation”, allowing Iraqi-linked vessels to transit the waterway.

More countries are reportedly slowly being allowed access to the Strait, including Malaysia and Thailand. The Philippines has emerged as the latest country to secure safe passage. Manila said Iran has pledged to allow oil shipments to transit through the strait, offering a critical lifeline to the import-dependent nation of 116 million people as it navigates a fuel emergency.

On Friday (April 3), the UN Security Council is set to vote on Bahrain’s draft resolution mandating a “defensive” force to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks. Tehran, describing the proposal as “provocative action,” warned that it would only “complicate the situation” in the area.