Two Asian Nations' Vessels Already Free to Transit Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20% of the world’s oil passes, since war erupted following US and Israeli bombardment of Tehran on 28 February. Iranian military officials have asserted they will fire upon all vessels transiting the strait, threatening to drive global oil prices to as high as US$200 per barrel.
However, two Asian nations’ vessels have managed to transit through. According to reports, Iran has permitted large quantities of crude oil shipments to China through the Strait of Hormuz. This high-risk manoeuvre continues amid the ongoing conflict between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran, which has severely disrupted energy supplies along the critical global shipping route.
Based on data from TankerTrackers, Iran has dispatched at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since war began on 28 February 2024. All of this black gold has been confirmed to have one primary destination: China.
TankerTrackers co-founder Samir Madani revealed that the firm continues to monitor vessel movements using satellite imagery. This technology enables detection of ships attempting to “go dark” by disabling their tracking systems following threats from Tehran.
“Many vessels have ‘gone dark’ after Tehran threatened to attack any ship attempting to pass through the waterway,” Madani told CNBC International.
Similarly, maritime intelligence data provider Kpler estimates that approximately 12 million barrels of crude oil have transited the strait since the war commenced. Although identifying final destinations has become increasingly difficult, China remains the primary suspect as the recipient of these supplies.
“Given that China has been Iran’s largest crude oil buyer in recent years, most of these barrels will likely ultimately be destined there,” said Kpler crude oil analyst Nhway Khin Soe.
Beyond China, India is also identified as a nation now permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz freely. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has indicated that Indian vessels can expect a safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
According to Russian media outlet RT, he stated that Tehran views New Delhi as an important friend and partner, emphasising shared interests between the two nations.
“Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it in two or three hours,” he said.
The Iranian ambassador’s statement came several hours after senior officials from both nations held a telephone conversation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, expressing concern over “escalating tensions, loss of civilian lives, and damage to civilian infrastructure”.
In a separate conversation, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During the discussion, Tehran outlined its position following the US-Israeli strikes and sought support from BRICS nations, whilst India emphasised cooperation and regional stability.