Lawmaker Says Iran Exempted Ships From Four Countries From Hormuz Restrictions

A vice chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee said Iran had exempted ships from India, China, Iraq and Qatar from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which apply to other vessels.

India’s exemption was intended to facilitate medicine imports into Iran, while China’s was meant to secure political support from Beijing, the lawmaker said. He added that Qatari vessels do not pay transit tolls and that each exemption had a distinct reason.

The waterway has also featured in U.S.-Iran discussions over a phased reopening plan. The sides have not resolved how to divide concessions, while Iran has prioritized relief from economic restrictions and maintained its position on managing the strait.