Hello everyone. As a journalist from Bangladesh, this latest geopolitical update caught my immediate attention because it directly involves my country amidst the ongoing Middle East tensions.
Contrary to widespread reports in Western media claiming a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified in a state television interview on Thursday that the vital waterway is still open—but only for selected nations.
Tehran has assured safe passage for six countries it considers "friendly": Bangladesh, India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq. Araghchi stated that these nations, and shipping companies associated with them, have coordinated with Iranian armed forces to ensure safe transit. He confirmed that vessels from India and likely Bangladesh have already crossed the strait safely in recent days.
The Strict Ban on Adversaries:
While friendly nations have a green light, Iran has strictly barred vessels from countries it considers direct adversaries or those involved in the recent bombardments, specifically singling out the United States, Israel, and certain Gulf nations.
The Impact on Global Shipping:
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted this critical route. According to analytics firm Kpler, transit through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted by roughly 95% between March 1 and March 25. Typically seeing around 120 ships daily, the strait has recorded only 155 cargo crossings in nearly a month.
It is a massive relief for countries like Bangladesh, which rely heavily on uninterrupted global shipping for energy and trade.
What are your thoughts on Iran's selective control over the Strait of Hormuz? Let me know in the comments below.
