Iran Grants Strait Of Hormuz Transit Exemptions To India, China, Iraq, And Qatar

ISTANBUL, Nov 4 – Iran has officially exempted maritime vessels from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar from transit restrictions in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, allowing ships from all four nations to travel unhindered through the waterway.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by Amir Hayat Moqaddam, Deputy Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, during an interview with the Iranian Students’ News Agency.

“We have currently exempted India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Ships from these countries pass freely, and the Americans do not intercept them either,” Hayat Moqaddam stated.

He explained that the selective exemptions are based on mutual strategic interests between Tehran and the respective nations. Specifically, facilitating Indian maritime passage ensures Iran can maintain critical imports of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies from India. Meanwhile, granting safe passage to Chinese shipping is intended to solidify political backing from Beijing.

Financial arrangements regarding the transit vary by nation:

• India and China: Required to pay transit fees collected by Iranian authorities.
• Qatar: Granted free transit without any fee assessments.
• Iraq: Exemption status remains active following earlier arrangements, though specific transit fee terms were not disclosed.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, serves as one of the world’s most critical maritime oil and gas choke points, connecting Persian Gulf energy exporters to global markets.

Maritime passage through the narrow waterway has faced severe disruption following the outbreak of conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28, 2026. Although a temporary ceasefire was implemented in April, armed hostilities resumed in July after diplomatic negotiations stalled.

Exemption Drivers, Fee Structures, and Geopolitical Context

Key strategic motivations, toll policies, and regional context include:

• Exempted Nations: India, China, Iraq, and Qatar.
• Strategic Rationale: Securing Indian medical supply imports, garnering Chinese diplomatic support, and maintaining regional economic ties.
• Transit Fee Framework: Tolls collected on Indian and Chinese vessels; Qatari ships granted free passage; Iraqi toll status unspecified.
• Conflict Timeline: Strait restrictions stem from the military conflict launched on February 28, 2026, with fighting resuming in July after a brief April ceasefire.

–NMT