Iran Eases Restrictions: Humanitarian Ships Allowed Through Hormuz Strait – What You Need to Know

Daniel Kim | 2026.04.04

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Tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz./Yonhap
Iran announced it will partially allow vessels carrying humanitarian supplies bound for its ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Tasnim News, a semi-official Iranian outlet, reported the decision April 4. The report said Iranian authorities will permit ships headed to Iranian ports — including vessels now in Omani waters — to pass through the strait after prior coordination, provided they comply with required protocols.

A letter dated April 1 specified that passage would be allowed for ships carrying humanitarian items such as basic necessities and animal feed.

Officials said the move is a limited concession, not a full reopening of the waterway; controls on energy tankers and other commercial vessels remain in place.

Earlier, after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in late February and the subsequent fighting, Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.