Iran grants navigation exemptions to India and 3 other nations to transit the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has reiterated that Indian vessels are exempt from restrictions imposed on shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with a senior parliamentary official confirming that ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar can pass through the waterway without limitations.

Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, Vice Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the exemptions had been granted to four countries, allowing their vessels to continue navigating the strait.

Speaking at a meeting to review Iran’s economic and security situation, Hayat-Moghaddam said the decision involving India was linked to Tehran’s need to import medicines.

He also referred to China’s political support and financial ties with Iran as factors behind the exemption.

"Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we have already 'pardoned' four countries. Right now, India, China, Iraq and Qatar. They are free, meaning they are free from our point of view. The Americans also have no issues with them. They go back and forth through the Strait of Hormuz," he said.

Explaining the arrangement with India, he added, "We have done this for the Indians so that we can import medicine."

On China, the Iranian official said Tehran had allowed unrestricted passage to maintain political support, while also acknowledging the financial benefits of the relationship.

Iran's political leadership pushes for diplomatic resolution

The statement on shipping exemptions comes amid growing concerns over a possible resumption of direct military confrontation between Iran and the United States.

According to Al Arabiya, internal assessments in Tehran now consider a renewed war with Washington the most likely scenario.

Despite these military projections, senior political leaders are pressing the country's military establishment to consider a diplomatic route to prevent further escalation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have reportedly urged military leaders to engage constructively with a proposal put forward by Qatari mediators to bring the conflict to an end.

Al Arabiya reported, citing sources, that the three leaders have advocated giving the diplomatic initiative serious consideration rather than moving towards another confrontation.

Qatari envoys seek Tehran's official response

The report also said Qatari representatives had recently travelled to Tehran to obtain Iran's formal position on the proposed framework.

The mediators reportedly arrived with a specific and limited mandate: to collect the Iranian leadership's official and final response rather than conduct prolonged rounds of negotiations.

Their visit comes as diplomatic efforts continue against the backdrop of mounting military concerns. Qatar's proposal is being viewed as a possible avenue to halt the conflict and avert a wider confrontation involving Iran and the United States.

Military leadership remains sceptical

Despite efforts by Iran's senior political figures to keep diplomatic channels open, the country's military strategists remain doubtful about the prospects of maintaining peace.

According to the report, military assessments continue to place a return to active confrontation with American forces as the most likely course of events.

The differences within Iran's leadership highlight the challenge facing Tehran as it weighs diplomatic engagement against preparations for a possible renewed conflict with Washington.

(with ANI inputs)