Middle East War: Iran clears passage for two Indian LPG tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has given approval for two Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported citing sources, even as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt shipping in one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

The development comes amid reports that several vessels have been unable to transit the narrow waterway because of the security situation in the region following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

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Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative in India, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, earlier said Tehran has not shut the strategic strait despite the hostilities.

"Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," he told ANI.

Ilahi also urged international leaders to press Washington to end the conflict, warning that the war was affecting people globally through rising energy prices.

"Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," he added.

The current round of fighting in West Asia began on February 28 and has seen the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other exchange strikes across the region. The conflict intensified after Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli attacks. Tehran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli and US-linked targets in several Gulf countries and Israel, disrupting maritime traffic and unsettling global energy markets. The conflict has now entered its 13th day.