Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on March 30 that transit conditions in the Strait of Hormuz have begun to shift. According to his statement, some vessels have successfully passed through the strategic waterway in recent days after coordinating with relevant Iranian authorities.
The remarks came as Iran responded to growing concern over rising fuel prices and higher shipping costs in the Gulf. European countries and other markets have been watching the route closely, and Baghaei's comments pointed to a possible easing of restrictions rather than a full reopening.
Iran says passage is being managed for “non-hostile” vessels
Baghaei said Tehran does not want people in other countries to bear the burden of sharp increases in fuel and food prices. He also stated that Iran does not see itself as responsible for the current situation and said passage is being managed for vessels that are not considered hostile, with regional security kept as a condition.
That wording suggests traffic through the strait is still subject to review. Passage does not appear to be open without conditions, and successful transit depends on coordination with Iranian authorities as well as a vessel's status under Tehran's current framework.
Some vessels have already completed the process
The clearest development in Baghaei's statement was his confirmation that multiple vessels have already passed through the Strait of Hormuz after completing coordination procedures over the past few days. That is the strongest indication so far that the route has not remained completely shut.
The source report said a gradual resumption of shipping through the strait could cool the recent rise in WTI crude oil prices and ease global inflation pressure. For now, Iran's message is limited but concrete: transit has taken place, and at least some non-hostile vessels are moving through the waterway under a managed process.