India Among Nations Allowed Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz: Iran

India is one among the six countries that Iran has considered as "friendly nations" to allow ships to transit in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday.

The development comes as shipping traffic through the narrow waterway - a conduit for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas - has sharply declined amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Speaking to state television late Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that the strait had not been fully closed. However, access has been selectively restricted based on geopolitical alignments. He said ships from countries maintaining friendly ties with Tehran - including China, Russia, India, Iraq and Pakistan - would be permitted safe passage.

"There is no reason to allow the enemy to pass through the strait," Araghchi said, according to Iran's official news agency, underscoring a policy that distinguishes between allies and adversaries in determining access to the waterway.

The announcement follows heightened tensions in the region, with Tehran maintaining that vessels linked to countries it considers hostile - including the United States and Israel - would be denied transit. Araghchi added that certain Gulf nations perceived to be involved in the conflict could also face restrictions, further complicating navigation through one of the world's busiest energy corridors.

Separately, the Iranian foreign minister reiterated that Tehran has no intention of entering direct negotiations with Washington, even as reports emerged of a proposal from the administration of Donald Trump aimed at ending the conflict. Araghchi noted that indirect exchanges of messages through intermediaries were ongoing but stressed that such communication "does not mean negotiations."

In a related statement, Iran's mission to the United Nations said vessels could still obtain "safe passage" through the strait, provided they refrain from supporting or participating in actions deemed hostile to Iran and comply with Iranian maritime regulations. Ships are required to coordinate with Iranian authorities to ensure secure transit, although specific operational guidelines have not been disclosed. Similar assurances have reportedly been conveyed to the International Maritime Organization.

Despite these assurances, maritime traffic through the strait has dropped dramatically. According to data from maritime intelligence firm Windward, only five vessels were recorded passing through on Monday, compared to an average of around 120 daily transits prior to the escalation of hostilities in late February.

In the initial phase of the conflict, Iranian officials had warned that any vessel attempting to navigate the strait could be targeted. More recent messaging, however, appears aimed at reassuring select trading partners that the route remains accessible under controlled conditions.

The disruption has had immediate repercussions on global energy markets. Analysts warn that sustained restrictions could drive oil prices to between $150 and $200 per barrel. Although prices have already been volatile - with Brent crude trading above $100 for much of March - markets showed a temporary dip on Wednesday following reports of a potential diplomatic initiative to ease tensions.