Iran allows handful of favoured ships through Strait of Hormuz - Financial Times
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Iran is selectively blocking most ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint.
How This Affects You
Disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could increase gas prices and inflation for U.S. consumers, as one-third of global seaborne oil passes through this waterway.
AI Summary
Iran is selectively permitting a small number of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while blocking most commercial traffic, according to Financial Times reporting. The move appears to be part of a broader Iranian strategy to exert pressure through control of one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints, through which roughly one-third of global seaborne oil passes. The selective blockade creates uncertainty for international shipping and energy markets, as traders cannot predict which vessels will be allowed passage. The tactic signals Iran's willingness to weaponize maritime chokepoints amid broader regional tensions. The distinction between favored and blocked ships suggests Iran may be using passage as leverage in negotiations or to punish specific nations or companies.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityUS targets mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid disruption of oil traffic
Pentagon zeroing in on mine-laying vessels that are helping Iran keep a stranglehold on Strait of Hormuz, military leaders said, as markets feel pain from its closure.
National SecurityTrump mulls risky Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open strait
<p>The Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/strait-hormuz-coalition-allies-statement-uk" target="_blank">Strait of Hormuz</a>, four sources with knowledge of the issue tell Axios.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> President Trump can't end the war, at least on his terms, until he breaks <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/13/iran-war-mines-strait-of-hormuz" target="_blank">Iran's chokehold</a> on shipping through the strait. In the meantime, global <a href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/oil-companies" target="_blank">energy</a> prices are surging.</p><hr><ul><li>But an operation to take over Kharg Island, which sits 15 miles offshore and processes 90% of Iran's crude oil exports, could put U.S. troops more directly in the line of fire.</li><li>Thus, such an operation would only be launched after the U.S. military further degrades Iran's military capa...
National SecurityIran developing a ‘vetting system’ for Strait of Hormuz transit: Report
Lloyd's List reports that ships could be allowed to pass through 'safe corridor' once they are approved by IRGC.
GlobalTrump seeks to delay China visit as Beijing rebuffs Hormuz demands
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he is seeking to delay a highly anticipated trip to China in early April by about a month because of the Iran war. It comes after Trump called on numerous nations, including China, to help ships safely transit the Strait of Hormuz, a request that so far has largely been rebuffed.
GlobalNearly 100 ships pass the Hormuz Strait - who is getting through? - BBC
FinanceOil retreats as US and allies look to boost supply, unchoke Strait of Hormuz - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMisAFBVV95cUxNd2Rpc2pia3d3NWVCUWNYTGo0b281N0RpbEx1MHVNR0JRbERGZnFsVGQxbHV6ZElVQ1dDNDhmRzJPVDNFWUJoLXVPT3VPZVh0eVBUOVNyZWtSV2NLeHZRaFJmQ003OGo1bU5Sb3pWY3VYUWx3a09ma01KbnBkMzdZYU11VDJ5TkJGSzhobGc5RFY0LWVrZFR3cENXWERlTU1wTU1YNVZsSFU4clBOVzc2UQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Oil falls as US and allies look to boost supply, unchoke Strait of Hormuz</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
US considers lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent broached waiving sanctions on oil already at sea, which would be a stunning reversal of longstanding American policy.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo
Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com
TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say
Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit
White House registers new ‘alien’-related .gov domains as DOD tackles Trump’s disclosure directive
