Iranian Media: Passage Through Strait of Hormuz Opened for Chinese Ships Since May 13
The Iranian Navy has reopened the Strait of Hormuz for Chinese-flagged vessels after blockading it since the start of the war with the US and Israel. This move, made at China's request, suggests a shift in geopolitical dynamics.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 23:23
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 23:32 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 02:21 (2h 48m after Collected)
Tehran, May 14 (CNA/AFP) - Iran's Tasnim and Fars news agencies reported that the Iranian navy has allowed Chinese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since last night, with a batch of Chinese ships already approved for passage at that time.
AFP reports that Tehran has largely blocked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since the war with the United States and Israel began on February 28.
In peacetime, about one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tasnim reported, 'Based on a decision by the Islamic Republic of Iran, some Chinese ships have been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz according to transit regulations managed by Iran,' adding that the passage began on the evening of May 13 at China's request and 'after reaching a consensus on Iran's management regulations.'
Fars News Agency had a similar report, and Iranian state television claimed that 'more than 30 ships' have been allowed to pass, without specifying if all were of Chinese nationality.
Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has roiled global markets and given Tehran significant leverage. Meanwhile, the United States has deployed its navy in the Middle East region and imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. (Translation: Hung Chi-Yuan) 1150514
AFP reports that Tehran has largely blocked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz since the war with the United States and Israel began on February 28.
In peacetime, about one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tasnim reported, 'Based on a decision by the Islamic Republic of Iran, some Chinese ships have been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz according to transit regulations managed by Iran,' adding that the passage began on the evening of May 13 at China's request and 'after reaching a consensus on Iran's management regulations.'
Fars News Agency had a similar report, and Iranian state television claimed that 'more than 30 ships' have been allowed to pass, without specifying if all were of Chinese nationality.
Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has roiled global markets and given Tehran significant leverage. Meanwhile, the United States has deployed its navy in the Middle East region and imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. (Translation: Hung Chi-Yuan) 1150514