Iran Restricts Strait of Hormuz Transit to Only Chinese and Russian Ships, Excluding Others

Kathmandu — Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest sea routes for oil and gas shipments, will remain open exclusively to Chinese and Russian vessels, according to international media reports.

Iran had closed the strait on Tuesday in response to attacks on its territory by Israel and the United States. On Wednesday, Tehran declared that Chinese and Russian ships may transit the waterway, while barring all other international commercial traffic.

About one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through this strategic chokepoint, making it vital to global energy supplies.

Iran’s government said its decision was intended as a gesture of gratitude for the diplomatic and political support shown by Beijing and Moscow amid the ongoing conflict. It warned that any unauthorized ship attempting to cross the strait could be directly targeted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Officials confirmed that the ban includes oil tankers, gas carriers, and cargo ships, regardless of whether they belong to neutral or neighboring countries.