Iran allowed 15 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours after granting them official clearance, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.
The move marks the highest single-day number of ship transits since traffic through the crucial waterway dropped sharply following the start of the US‑Israel war with Iran in late February.
Fars reported that all the vessels crossed the strait with prior permission from Iranian authorities and under security conditions set by Tehran.
No information was given on the ships’ nationalities, cargoes, or destinations.
According to figures published by Fars, overall shipping traffic remains well below normal levels despite the recent increase.
The agency stated that ship movements through the strait remain roughly 90 percent lower than before the war.
Most vessels allowed to pass in recent weeks have been either Iranian-owned or linked to countries considered friendly by Tehran.
Iran Moves to Take Full Control of Hormuz
Iran is planning to officially take control of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by implementing a regulated “permission and toll” system to strengthen its hold on one of the world’s most vital maritime routes.
Since the outbreak of the US‑Israel war in late February, Iran has restricted traffic through the strait and required vessels to obtain approval before passing.
Iranian military units, including the Revolutionary Guard Navy, now oversee transit routes close to Iran’s coastline, escorting approved ships through territorial waters.
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Iranian lawmakers have confirmed that draft legislation is being prepared to legalise Tehran’s oversight of the strait.
Under the proposed law, ships seeking safe passage would be required to register, submit voyage details and comply with security conditions set by Iran.
Officials have said fees may be charged in exchange for protection and clearance.
Iranian media have stated that most vessels granted passage are Iranian-owned or linked to countries Tehran considers friendly, including China, India, Pakistan and Russia.
Iranian authorities stated that the strait is not completely closed but is still under security management because of the conflict.
They have stated that ships associated with hostile states will not be allowed to pass.
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Iran’s effort to formalize control signals a major change in how access to the waterway is handled during the conflict.
Iran Unbothered by Escalating Attacks
Iran has remained steady despite repeated warnings from the United States about possible increased and more intense attacks.
Tehran has not announced any emergency measures, civil defense alerts, evacuations, or shutdowns of government or commercial activity, indicating there is no visible change in posture.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the country is not seeking a ceasefire and will respond to any attack by targeting equivalent US‑linked infrastructure.
The position has reiterated long-standing policy without adding new conditions, deadlines, or altering the strategy.
Military authorities have also confirmed that ongoing operations will proceed as planned.
No reserve mobilization, nationwide alerts, or changes to the command structure have been announced.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued missile and drone activity related to the conflict and has upheld its cautious maritime policy in the Strait of Hormuz.
The clearance for ships to pass through the strait has continued under the same rules and security procedures, despite external pressure.
Ports, energy facilities, and state institutions have continued operating, and Iran’s oversight of the strait has remained firmly in place.
