After Total Blockade, Iran Allows Japanese Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Iranian government has begun implementing a selective blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing commercial ships from Japan to pass through the route.

This easing of maritime restrictions comes after Iran previously blocked nearly all shipping activity following attacks by the United States and Israel at the end of February.

Citing Al Jazeera, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the special route policy after discussions with the Japanese government. The waterway is not fully closed, and Iranian security forces are prepared to facilitate the passage of ships from countries that did not participate in attacks on its territory.

“We have not closed the strait. In our view, the strait is open. The strait is only closed to ships owned by our enemies, countries that have attacked us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait,” Araghchi stated in an interview with Kyodo News, as reported by Al Jazeera on Saturday (21/3/2026).

This relaxation is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air for Tokyo, which is heavily dependent on energy supplies from the Middle East. Japan sources more than 90% of its crude oil imports from the region, making the closure of the Strait of Hormuz over the past three weeks a severe threat to its energy resilience.

“We are talking with them to find a way to pass safely. We are ready to give them a safe route. All they need to do is contact us to discuss how this route will work,” Araghchi added.

The selective blockade policy signals a change in stance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which at the start of the war had threatened to burn any ships attempting to pass.

Currently, the IRGC is reportedly developing a more coordinated inspection and registration system for commercial ships wishing to use the route.

According to reports from the maritime intelligence service Lloyd’s List, at least ten ships have successfully transited the strait by sailing close to Iran’s coastline, now functioning as a safe corridor. With this latest agreement, Japan will join a small group of countries such as China, India, and Pakistan whose ships have already been granted permission to pass by Tehran’s authorities.