After India, Reports Say Iran Considers "Temporarily" Allowing Japanese Ships to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz

The crisis over the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has seen new developments. Iran is reportedly considering opening a passage for ships related to Japan, while Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels are also preparing to cross this critical chokepoint in global energy trade.

On March 21, according to CCTV News, Iranian Foreign Minister Alaghassi stated in a phone interview on the 20th that, after negotiations with Japan, Iran is willing to allow ships related to Japan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Alaghassi said that both sides are in talks about a temporary解除 of the blockade.

According to Kyodo News, Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu expressed concern last Tuesday during a call with Alaghassi about the large number of Japanese-related ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, and demanded that Iran “take appropriate measures to ensure the安全 of all ships, including those of Japan and other Asian countries, in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Meanwhile, Reuters, citing shipping data and sources, reports that two Indian LPG vessels are preparing to cross the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, and Iran has already allowed these two Indian LPG ships to pass through the strait last week.

It is noteworthy that, although these developments suggest Iran is selectively allowing some ships from Asian countries to pass, the overall blockade situation has not changed.

Japan Seeks Diplomatic Breakthrough; Iran Signals Positivity

Since the outbreak of the US-Israel conflict with Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been under blockade. Japan relies heavily on this route for oil imports, causing many Japanese-related ships to be stranded in the Persian Gulf.

According to CCTV News, Alaghassi stated that Iran has not blocked the Strait of Hormuz but has imposed transit restrictions on ships from hostile countries attacking Iran. He added that for non-hostile countries wishing to pass, safe passage can be provided after negotiations with relevant nations.

Kyodo News reports that Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that during last Tuesday’s call, Motegi Toshimitsu explicitly demanded Iran ensure “the安全 of ships including those of Japan and other Asian countries,” framing Japan’s concerns within a broader Asian context.

One day after Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide held a summit with Trump, Trump said on Friday that if Japan and other countries dependent on Middle Eastern energy imports could join efforts to protect shipping through the strait, “that would be a good thing.”

Analysts point out that this statement further highlights the external pressures Japan faces on this issue.

Indian Ships Lead the Way; Two LPG Vessels Ready to Depart

On March 20, Reuters reported that Indian LPG vessels Pine Gas and Jag Vasant are currently anchored in the waters near Sharjah, UAE. Data from MarineTraffic shows that both ships have broadcast messages indicating readiness to depart.

The report notes that a knowledgeable trade source said the two ships might set sail on Saturday (March 21).

Jag Vasant is leased by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), and Pine Gas is leased by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). When asked whether the ships are ready to depart, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of India’s Ministry of Shipping, said he had no immediate details to provide.

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India “supports” the safe and smooth passage of its 22 ships stranded in the Gulf, and that Prime Minister Modi is communicating with other world leaders on the issue of safe passage.

According to sources cited by Reuters, Iran has already permitted the passage of two Indian LPG ships through the Strait of Hormuz last week, and the two new ships preparing to depart may indicate that the channel arrangements between India and Iran are ongoing.

Although some LPG ships are showing signs of movement, the overall blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged. According to market assessments from Kpler and sources cited by Reuters, no oil tankers have passed through the strait in the past 24 hours. One sanctioned, ballast crude oil tanker 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 been anchored in the area. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows, and its continued blockade poses significant pressure on global energy supply chains.

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