Iran has exempted vessels from India, China, Iraq and Qatar from restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Amir Hayat Moghadam, deputy chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said in an interview with the ISNA news agency.

"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," the lawmaker said.

According to Moghadam, the exemptions reflect the mutual interests of Tehran and the four countries. Allowing Indian vessels to pass helps Iran import medicines from India, while unrestricted passage for Chinese ships is intended to secure Beijing’s political support.

Iran does, however, charge Indian and Chinese vessels for passage, while Qatari ships are allowed through free of charge. The lawmaker did not specify whether Iraqi vessels are also required to pay transit fees.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Significant volumes of energy resources from countries bordering the Persian Gulf pass through the strait on their way to international markets.

The statement comes amid the ongoing confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel. The military operation against Iran began on February 28, 2026. The parties agreed to a ceasefire in April, but hostilities resumed in July after diplomatic efforts failed.