Iran Eases Hormuz Curbs On Indian Ships
Speaking at a meeting reviewing economic and security conditions, the lawmaker said the exemptions had been granted based on separate considerations and agreements with the countries concerned.
NEW DELHI: Iran has exempted vessels from India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian lawmaker has said, citing specific economic and strategic considerations behind the decision. Hayat-Moghaddam, deputy chairman of the Iranian Parliament's national security and foreign policy committee, said vessels from the four countries could pass through the strategic waterway without restrictions imposed by Tehran.
Speaking at a meeting reviewing economic and security conditions, the lawmaker said the exemptions had been granted based on separate considerations and agreements with the countries concerned.
According to Iranian media reports, he said India's exemption was intended to facilitate the import of medicines into Iran, while China's exemption was aimed at securing Beijing's political support.
He also said Iran did not levy transit charges on Qatari vessels.
"We are conducting business, and each of these exemptions has a distinct reason," the lawmaker was quoted as saying.
The announcement came days after the Indian Navy rescued an Iranian boat from an attempted hijacking, for which Tehran thanked New Delhi.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime route for global oil and gas shipments, making restrictions on vessel movements significant for international energy trade.