Bangladesh has been listed among several “friendly nations” whose vessels may be permitted controlled transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as Iran maintains partial access to the waterway amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said ships belonging to countries that coordinated with Tehran including Bangladesh could receive safe passage under special arrangements. He noted that the strait has not been fully closed, although traffic remains tightly regulated during the conflict.

However, Iran signaled that vessels linked to adversarial states or those involved in hostilities may not be allowed to cross, describing the region as an active war zone. Shipping activity through the channel, which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil supplies, has dropped sharply, adding to volatility in international fuel markets.

According to The Financial Express, Bangladesh is already experiencing the impact of the disruption, with fuel shortages prompting long queues at petrol stations and rationing in parts of the capital as global supply chains remain strained.

The Strait of Hormuz normally handles around 120 vessels daily, but recent data indicates traffic has fallen drastically, heightening concerns over energy security for import-dependent countries like Bangladesh.

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