TEHRAN: Iran is allegedly working on a new mechanism that enables ships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz securely, despite the ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.
According to the Financial Times, the majority of ships that successfully crossed the strategic waterway during this period originated from China, India, or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Some vessels linked to the so-called ‘Dark Fleet,’ which is under Western sanctions, also made the journey.
It is reported that some ships paid Iran as much as $2 million to ensure safe passage. Ali Al-Ardini, an Iranian parliament member, confirmed on state television that each vessel transiting the strait was paying a fee of approximately $200,000.
Martin Kelly, a risk and crisis management consultant, explained to the Financial Times that securing permission involves diplomatic negotiations between governments through their embassies. Once approval is granted, ships are assigned a special code, which they broadcast on the international emergency radio frequency VHF 16 as they approach the strait. Iranian authorities then conduct inspections of the ships’ documents, cargo destinations, and crew nationalities.
Maritime tracking data reveals that, since the conflict began, most vessels passing through the strait have not been carrying cargo bound for the US or Europe. Instead, the majority are headed toward East Asia, with some also going to East Africa and South America.To navigate the waters, ships are now utilizing Iranian territorial waters instead of conventional shipping routes.
The FT also cited two Pakistani sources indicating that some third-country ships are flying Pakistani flags to transit the strait. One diplomat noted that many shipping firms are changing their registration to Pakistani flags as a gesture of goodwill toward Iran, while another described these actions as “a message of goodwill to Trump.”
Paying Iran up to $2 million for safe passage remains a challenge due to the extensive sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and other Western nations targeting Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Nevertheless, former US Treasury official Claire McCluskey suggested Iran has established clandestine payment networks to facilitate these transactions.
The Financial Times further reported that Chinese and Indian shipping companies that have transited during this period have not responded to inquiries. India’s foreign ministry clarified that Iran is not demanding any payments for safe passage, and owners of European and American vessels have denied any knowledge of such payment systems.
