Iran Exempts China, India from Hormuz Transit Rules

The Iranian parliament announced this week that it is exempting several key trading partners from its oil transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ahmad Hayat-Moghaddam, Vice Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that ships from India, China, and Qatar pass freely through the strait.

Hayat-Mogh, speaking to the Iranian Student’s News Agency, claimed that the U.S. Navy does not block vessels from these countries, allowing Iran to continue exporting oil and goods despite the ongoing naval blockade.

The lawmaker explained that each exemption was granted based on specific considerations and agreements, with India’s exemption aimed at facilitating medicine imports and China’s intended to secure political support from Beijing.

Global media reporting has slowed in terms of an Iranian focus, having given way to the midterm elections and major Democratic gains in the U.S.

President Trump has still held off on prior threats to resume a major bombing campaign after the midterm elections, though this remains a possibility.