Iran has exempted ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, Amir Hayat Moqaddam, deputy chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said on Tuesday, according to Anadolu Agency.

Speaking to the Iranian Students’ News Agency, Hayat Moqaddam confirmed that vessels from these four countries could pass through the strategic waterway without restrictions.

“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,” he said.

He said the exemptions were based on mutual interests of Iran and the countries concerned. Tehran is allowing Indian ships to pass to facilitate the import of medicines from India. The exemption for Chinese vessels was aimed at securing Beijing’s political support, he added.

Hayat Moqaddam said Iran collected transit fees from Indian and Chinese ships, while Qatari vessels could pass without paying any charges. However, he did not clarify whether Iraqi ships were also required to pay transit fees.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a major global shipping route. It carries large volumes of oil and gas from Gulf countries to international markets.

The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, 2026. A ceasefire followed in April, but fighting between Washington and Tehran resumed in July after diplomatic efforts to end the conflict stalled.