Iran has announced exemptions from Strait of Hormuz transit restrictions for vessels from India, China, Iraq and Qatar, allowing them to navigate the strategic waterway despite ongoing regional hostilities. According to a senior Iranian lawmaker, the exemptions were intended to facilitate medicine shipments from India, secure political support from China and protect mutual economic interests. Indian and Chinese vessels reportedly paid transit fees to Iran, while Qatari vessels were granted free passage. The restrictions followed the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel in February 2026, which severely disrupted commercial shipping and contributed to rising global energy prices. The International Maritime Organization reportedly verified at least 80 attacks in and around the Strait since the conflict began, resulting in at least 22 seafarer fatalities. The selective exemptions highlighted continued uncertainty surrounding freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping through this critical energy corridor.
