'India is friend': Iran grants 2 ships Hormuz safe passage
What's the story
Iran has permitted two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers bound for India to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has impacted shipping routes. Despite security concerns, Iran's Supreme Leader's representative confirmed that the strait remains open and some vessels are still transiting the vital waterway.
Shipping status
Strait of Hormuz still open for shipping: Iran
Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India, confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz is still open for shipping. He said that while some ships are passing through, others are unable to do so due to current conditions and circumstances. The Strait is a key maritime route for global oil supplies and gas shipments.
Diplomatic relations
Iran optimistic about Indian vessels transiting safely
Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, expressed optimism that Indian vessels would be able to transit safely through the Strait of Hormuz. "Yes, yes, you can see that in the future. I think that after two or three hours," he said. Fathali told reporters, "We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests, we have a common fate."
Bilateral support
India helped us during challenging times, says Iranian envoy
Fathali also acknowledged India's support for Iran during challenging times. "As ambassador in India, I say that the government of India in this situation, after the war, helped us in different fields," he said. The development comes amid governments and shipping companies keeping a close eye on developments around the Strait amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
Regional tensions
Conflict's impact on global energy markets and maritime traffic
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted maritime traffic, affecting global energy markets. The situation escalated after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli attacks. Tehran retaliated with strikes against Israeli and US-linked targets, further unsettling global energy markets and disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.