Middle East Conflict: Iran Grants Permission for 15 Ships to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz Daily

Tehran: Following the cessation of hostilities between Iran and the United States, a major development has emerged. Iran has announced that it will now permit only 15 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily—a significant reduction from the 140 ships that previously traversed the route each day. This report was carried by Russia's state-run news agency, TASS, citing an Iranian source.

What is the Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is an extremely narrow maritime passage. It measures just 34 kilometers in width and is situated between Iran and Oman. This waterway serves as the vital link connecting the Gulf nations to the rest of the world's oceans.

Approximately 20 percent of the world's traded oil passes through this very route. In addition, essential commodities such as fertilizers are also transported via this channel. Should this passage be blocked, global oil prices could skyrocket, and widespread shortages of various goods could ensue.

What did Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei say?

Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement in which he gave a clear indication that Iran would no longer merely *control* the Strait of Hormuz; rather, it would utilize the waterway with greater firmness and strategic deliberation.

How did the conflict begin and what transpired?

In late February, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. In retaliation, Iran halted the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This action caused a sudden surge in global oil prices and sparked fears among the public that oil supplies would be cut off.

How was the ceasefire reached?

On Wednesday, a ceasefire agreement was concluded between the United States and Iran; specifically, both parties agreed to suspend hostilities for a period of two weeks. Under the terms of this agreement, it was decided that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. However, Iran made it explicitly clear that the operation of this waterway would not revert entirely to its previous status quo.

What are Iran's new conditions?

Iran has stated that, henceforth, only 15 ships per day will be permitted to traverse this route—a stark contrast to the 140 ships that previously passed through daily. Furthermore, every vessel will be required to obtain authorization from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In addition to obtaining permission, a fee will also be required. During this two-week ceasefire, a fee of 1 US dollar will be levied per barrel of oil. Notably, this fee will be collected in cryptocurrency. Iran has also made it clear that the regulations prevailing prior to the conflict will no longer apply.

What was the response from the US?

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is considering collaborating with Iran to impose a joint fee on vessels utilizing this route. In other words, the two nations would jointly control this maritime passage. Furthermore, the US has requested its European allies to indicate, within a few days, how they intend to contribute to the security of this route.

Is this agreement sustainable?

Just hours after the agreement was reached on Wednesday, Iran halted oil tankers. This action was taken in retaliation for an Israeli attack on Lebanon. This clearly demonstrates that the agreement remains highly fragile and could collapse at any moment.

What will be the global impact?

If this route fails to remain open and operational, global oil prices will rise. Consequently, the cost of petrol, diesel, and all related commodities will increase. India, too, will not remain unaffected by this, as we import a significant portion of our oil from countries within this region.