Iran to Allow Japanese Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amidst Blockade Signals
Jakarta – Iran is signaling a potential easing of restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, offering a pathway for Japanese vessels even as maintaining a posture of selective blockade. The move comes amid heightened tensions following attacks on Iran and escalating concerns over global oil supplies.
“We have not closed the strait. In our opinion, the strait is open. The strait is only closed to the ships of our enemies, countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News, as reported by Agence France-Presse on .
Araghchi indicated that discussions are underway with Japan to ensure the safe passage of their vessels, stating Iran is prepared to provide a secure corridor. “We are talking to them to find a way for them to pass through the strait safely. We are ready to provide a safe route for them. All they need to do is contact us to discuss how this route will be,” he said.
Japan’s reliance on Middle Eastern oil makes the Strait of Hormuz a critical artery for its economy. The nation imports more than 90 percent of its crude oil from the region, and the de facto closure of the waterway since the attacks by the United States and Israel has raised significant concerns in Tokyo.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initially warned that any vessel attempting to transit the strait would be targeted, effectively halting maritime traffic. However, in recent days, Iran has softened its rhetoric, clarifying that the closure is directed solely at adversaries.
Japan may soon join a limited group of nations – including China, India, and Pakistan – whose ships have been granted access to the waterway in recent days with Iranian approval. This shift suggests a calibrated approach by Tehran, seeking to avoid a complete disruption of global trade while signaling its resolve.
Lloyd’s List, a leading maritime information service, reported that ten vessels have transited the strait by sailing close to the Iranian coastline, establishing what appears to be a safe corridor for shipping. A Greek bulk carrier was the latest to make the passage on , navigating near Iran’s Larak Island and broadcasting a message indicating its cargo was “Food for Iran.”
While vessels are currently being cleared on a case-by-case basis, Lloyd’s List also reported that the IRGC is developing a more coordinated system for inspection and registration of ships. As the conflict with Iran enters its third week, several countries, including allies of the United States, have begun lobbying Tehran to reopen the strait or allow safe passage for their vessels.
A joint statement issued earlier this week by Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom expressed their willingness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iraq, Malaysia, China, India, and Pakistan have reportedly engaged in direct talks with Tehran to address the issue, according to Lloyd’s.
Araghchi’s remarks to Kyodo followed a telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on , during which Tokyo voiced concerns about the number of Japanese ships currently stranded in the Gulf. The situation highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability in the region.
The evolving situation in the Strait of Hormuz underscores the delicate balance between Iran’s security concerns and the international community’s reliance on the waterway for energy, and trade. While a complete reopening remains uncertain, the willingness to facilitate passage for certain nations suggests a potential path towards de-escalation and a return to a degree of normalcy in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.