‘Safe’ Corridor Emerging in the Strait of Hormuz: Here’s What We Know So Far

(SeaPRwire) –   Iran seems to be permitting certain pre-vetted vessels to pass through the chokepoint and is said to be developing a standardized procedure

Iran has indicated it is prepared to let vessels from specific countries transit the Strait of Hormuz. Media reports and tracking data also suggest a small number of pre-vetted tankers have already sailed without incident through the “safe” corridor, with at least one shipping firm supposedly paying Iran $2 million.

This development follows more than 15 tankers being struck by drones and projectiles in the strait since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in late February.

As Middle East tensions have roiled energy markets, the impact of a few tankers transiting so far remains limited. Brent crude still trades well above $100 per barrel.

Here’s what to know about the latest updates regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Who is allowed to pass?

Put simply: not everyone, and not all routes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the strait is open to all except the US and Israel, adding that some ships from “different countries” have already been allowed through. In practice, though, Western-linked vessels face major hurdles in securing safe passage.

According to Lloyd’s List, India, Pakistan, China, Iraq, and Malaysia are negotiating transit plans directly with Tehran, with officials in the first three nations plus Türkiye confirming clearance.

The Financial Times reported, citing maritime data, that at least eight ships – including oil tankers and bulk carriers tied to India, Pakistan, Greece, and Iran’s own fleet – have transited the strait but used an unusual route around Larak Island, near the Iranian coast where waters are far shallower than the strait’s central channel.

The actual number of ships – some of which may have disabled automatic tracking systems – could be higher, the report noted.

According to the FT, at least nine Chinese oil and fuel tankers are also gathering in the Gulf, seemingly preparing to cross the Strait of Hormuz.

Clearance is being granted on a case-by-case basis, Lloyd’s List said, adding that Iranian authorities are working on a “more formalized vessel approval process” expected in the coming days.

Is it free of charge?

In theory, international transit shouldn’t operate like a toll road – but the current situation appears to be evolving under wartime conditions.

Lloyd’s List reported that at least one tanker operator paid roughly $2 million to transit, though it couldn’t confirm if payments were made in other cases. It also remains unclear how such payments could be processed, given sanctions on Iran.

Additionally, multiple media reports indicated Iran’s parliament is considering a bill to tax ships crossing the strait. The Wall Street Journal noted, however, that such a policy would “require a regional buy” from Iran’s Gulf neighbors.

What did Hormuz look like before the war?

Before the war, Hormuz was one of the world’s busiest and most critical chokepoints: in 2025, an average of 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products passed through, equal to around 25% of global seaborne oil trade. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said about 80% of those flows went to Asian countries, including China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

Roughly 93% of Qatar’s LNG exports and 96% of the UAE’s LNG exports also transited Hormuz, representing about 19% of global LNG trade.

Prior to the war, around 138 vessels transited the strait daily; that figure has now dropped to roughly 3–5 ships per day, according to estimates.

The strait is just 29 nautical miles (54km) wide, with two-mile-wide inbound and outbound shipping lanes separated by a two-mile buffer. Ships using the Larak route must navigate shallower waters than the central channel, though depths are still generally sufficient for most vessel types.

What impact is this having on energy prices?

The small number of oil tankers transiting seems to have a limited effect on the oil market: Brent trades at $107 per barrel, down from a peak of nearly $120, while WTI crude slid from the $100 benchmark to $94.

European natural gas futures (TTF) dipped slightly to €60 per MWh after spiking more than 30% following Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field – which triggered retaliation on Qatari energy infrastructure.

What does Europe have to say on Hormuz safety?

European leaders have demanded “the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz” and “de-escalation and maximum restraint” from the warring parties. European NATO members, however, have been reluctant to send their navies to the strait. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country could help keep shipping lanes clear only once fighting stops.

What impact on the US?

As oil prices spiked, US gasoline prices also surged to an average of $3.90 per gallon. US President Donald Trump has sought to downplay market panic, saying he thought oil prices would be “much worse” and adding they were certain to fall once hostilities end.

In addition, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled Washington could waive sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers to dampen prices. Earlier this week, he also said the US had been allowing Iranian tankers to transit the strait “to supply the rest of the world.” 

What does Moscow have to say on the Hormuz crisis?

The crisis does not directly disrupt Russian exports, and some analysts say Moscow could benefit from tighter global supply.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia “has been and remains a reliable supplier” of oil and gas, while warning the country cannot fully escape broader fallout. He added that Moscow had long warned of the risks of escalation in the Middle East.