Iran to Allow Japanese Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockade Concerns
Iran will permit Japanese-flagged ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Friday, signaling a potential easing of tensions in the vital waterway amid a wider conflict. The announcement comes as Iran appears to be implementing a selective blockade, restricting passage to vessels linked to nations it considers adversaries.
“We have not closed the strait. In our opinion, the strait is open. It is closed only to ships belonging to our enemies, countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait,” Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News. He added that Tehran is “ready to provide them with safe passage” and is open to discussions on coordinating routes, according to a transcript shared on his Telegram account.
The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global energy supplies, has been subject to heightened security concerns since the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28. Prior to the conflict, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had warned it would “set ablaze” any ships attempting passage, effectively halting marine traffic. While that rhetoric has softened, the waterway remains largely restricted.
Japan is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, relying on the Middle East for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports. The potential for prolonged closure prompted concern from Tokyo, which raised the issue during a call with Araghchi on Tuesday. A Japanese readout of the call indicated Tokyo expressed concern over the number of Japanese vessels currently stranded in the Gulf.
Iran’s decision to allow Japanese ships passage aligns with a pattern of selective access observed in recent weeks. Lloyd’s List, a maritime information service, reported that at least 10 ships have successfully transited the strait by sailing close to Iran’s coastline, utilizing what is becoming known as a “safe corridor.” A Greek bulk carrier, the latest vessel to apply this route, passed near Larak Island on Friday while broadcasting the message “Cargo Food for Iran.”
The IRGC is reportedly developing a vetting and registration system to manage ship passage, suggesting a more formalized approach to the selective blockade. Several nations, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, have jointly urged Iran to ensure safe passage for all vessels through the strait. Iraq, Malaysia, China, India, and Pakistan have also engaged in direct talks with Tehran regarding the matter, according to Lloyd’s List.
Araghchi reiterated that Iran is not seeking a ceasefire, but rather “a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war.” Discussions with Japan regarding specific transit arrangements are ongoing, but details remain undisclosed.