After India, reports say Iran is considering "temporarily" allowing Japanese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Crisis Sees New Developments. Iran is reportedly considering opening passage for Japanese-related vessels, while Indian liquefied petroleum gas ships are also preparing to re-cross this key global energy trade chokepoint. On March 21, according to CCTV News, Iran’s Foreign Minister Aragchi stated in a phone interview on the 20th that, after consulting with the Japanese side, Iran intends to allow Japanese-related ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Aragchi said both sides have started consultations on the temporary lifting of the blockade. According to Japan's Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed concern during a phone call with Aragchi last Tuesday regarding large numbers of Japanese-related vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, and requested Iran to "take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all ships, including those of Japan and other Asian countries, in the Strait of Hormuz." Meanwhile, Reuters cited shipping data and sources, reporting that two Indian liquefied petroleum gas ships are preparing to cross the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. Last week, Iran allowed two Indian LPG ships to pass through the strait. It is noteworthy that, while these developments indicate Iran is adopting selective passage policies for some Asian countries’ vessels, the overall blockade situation has not changed. Japan Seeks Diplomatic Breakthrough; Iran Reportedly Signals Positivity Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28 this year, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded. Japan relies on this passage for the vast majority of its oil imports, resulting in many Japanese-related ships stranded in the Persian Gulf. According to CCTV News, Aragchi stated that Iran has not blocked the Strait of Hormuz, but has imposed restrictions on ships from hostile countries that have attacked Iran. He said that ships from non-hostile countries wishing to pass through can be provided with passage security after consultations. According to Kyodo News, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Motegi clearly requested Iran, in their Tuesday call, to ensure the safety of passage for "ships including those of Japan and other Asian countries," framing Japan’s request within a broader Asian context. Just one day after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s summit with Trump, Trump stated on Friday that if Japan and other countries relying on Middle Eastern energy imports could join actions to protect shipping in the strait, "that would be a good thing." Analysts point out this statement highlights the external pressure Japan faces on this issue. Indian Ships Test Waters; Two LPG Vessels Ready to Set Sail On March 20, Reuters reported that Indian liquefied petroleum gas ships Pine Gas and Jag Vasant are currently anchored in the Gulf near Sharjah, UAE; tracking data from MarineTraffic shows both vessels have broadcast readiness to depart. The report says a trade source familiar with the situation stated the two ships may depart on Saturday (March 21). Jag Vasant is chartered by Indian Oil & Natural Gas Company BPCL, Pine Gas is chartered by Indian Oil Company IOC. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of India’s Federal Shipping Ministry, when asked whether these ships are preparing to sail, said there are no immediate details available. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India "supports" the safe and smooth passage of its 22 stranded ships in the Gulf, and said Prime Minister Modi is communicating with other country leaders on ship passage security. According to Reuters, citing sources, last week Iran had already allowed two Indian LPG ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Now, with two new ships preparing to sail, it may signal continued passage arrangements between India and Iran. Despite signs of relaxation for some LPG ships, the overall blockade situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged. Reuters, citing Kpler data and market sources, assessed that no crude oil ship has passed through the waterway in the past 24 hours. An empty crude carrier under US sanctions returned to Iranian waters on March 18. Since Iran threatened to attack ships attempting to leave the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, hundreds of vessels have anchored and are waiting in the waters. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of global oil and LNG flows; its ongoing blockade poses significant pressure on the global energy supply chain. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market has risks, investment should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account the particular investment objectives, financial status or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinions, views or conclusions in this article are suitable for their own circumstances. Investing accordingly is at your own risk.