Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Iran have reached an agreement, allowing some ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Why are countries like Thailand actively seeking passage permits for ships from Iran?

According to Reference News, on March 28 local time, the governments of Thailand, Pakistan, and Malaysia announced that they have reached an agreement with Iran, allowing some ships from the three countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

On the same day, Thai Prime Minister Anutin stated that to address the crisis caused by rising domestic oil prices due to the situation in the Middle East, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively communicating with relevant countries. According to the agreement reached with Iran, Thai tankers can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dar also announced on social media on the 28th that Iran has agreed to release an additional 20 Pakistani-flagged ships, with two ships passing through the strait daily in the future.

On the same day, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohammad also stated that the Iranian government has allowed several Malaysian tankers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz to pass through. However, given the current tense situation in the Middle East, although the relevant tankers have been permitted to pass through the strait, they must still wait for an appropriate “window of passage.”

According to data from the ship tracking company Kpler, only four vessels were observed leaving the Persian Gulf on March 28, all navigating along the Iranian coastline, passing through the narrow channel between Larak Island and Qeshm Island, with destinations in India and Pakistan.

The announcement reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is currently closed, prohibiting any ships “coming from or going to” ports of U.S. and Israeli allies from passing through. Any attempts to cross the Strait of Hormuz without permission will face “severe measures.”

This indicates that there is indeed a maritime route currently under the de facto control of Iran in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz region. According to a report by the British shipping media Lloyd’s List on the 25th, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is enforcing a “control system” in the Strait of Hormuz, requiring passing ships to submit complete documentation, obtain passage codes, and accept Iranian escort through pre-designated routes. Since March 13, 26 ships have passed through the strait under this system.

Additionally, Iranian media reported on the 27th that the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps turned back three container ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement issued by the Revolutionary Guard stated that U.S. President Trump falsely claimed that “the Strait of Hormuz is open,” and three container ships of different nationalities attempted to enter the designated channel for permitted vessels but turned back after receiving a warning from the Revolutionary Guard Navy.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian stated on the 25th, “The Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed; it is just closed to enemies. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow ships of enemies and their allies to pass through. For friendly countries of Iran, or in cases where Iran decides to provide passage facilitation for other reasons, the Strait of Hormuz is safe for passage—ships from countries such as China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, India, and Bangladesh have all safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil and other bulk commodity transportation, has been in a state of de facto closure. The BBC reported on March 21 that since early March, only about 100 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with daily traffic reduced by about 95% compared to pre-war levels. However, the report also noted that ongoing electronic interference in the region is affecting the accuracy of ship tracking systems, leading some vessels to actively turn off their AIS transponders in high-risk waters, further undermining the timeliness and reliability of the data. Since ships can navigate without sending location signals, the actual number of transits may be higher than the currently visible figures, and related data may be revised upward as delayed signals arrive.

United Nations Secretary-General spokesperson Dujarric stated on the 27th that Secretary-General Guterres has established a special working group on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz to formulate and propose actionable specific plans to mitigate the impact of the shipping crisis on humanitarian needs and agricultural production. In response, Iran stated that at the request of the United Nations, it has decided to promote and further expedite the safe passage of humanitarian cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, with operational arrangements to be determined in due course with the United Nations. Iran is firmly committed to ensuring, maintaining, and safeguarding the safety and stability of the Strait of Hormuz for all non-hostile countries.