Tehran:Iran has decided to exempt ships from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian lawmaker announced on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Amir Hayat Moqaddam, the deputy chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, informed the Iranian Students' News Agency that vessels from these countries are permitted to pass through the strategic waterway without interference.

Moqaddam explained that the exemptions are a reflection of mutual interests between Iran and the countries involved. He noted that Tehran is facilitating the passage of Indian ships to assist in the importation of medicines from India. The exemption for Chinese vessels aims to secure political support from Beijing. While Iran collects transit fees from Indian and Chinese ships, Qatari vessels are allowed to pass without charges. Moqaddam did not specify the fee requirements for Iraqi ships.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is a critical shipping route for the global transportation of oil and gas from Gulf countries. The announcement of these exemptions comes amidst ongoing tensions, as the US and Israel launched a war against Iran earlier this year. Although a ceasefire was reached in April, hostilities between Washington and Tehran resumed in July following stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.