Russia – Military/economic alliance amid Western sanctions
India – Surprising inclusion; reflects New Delhi’s diplomatic balancing act
Iraq – Neighbor with shared economic/security ties
Pakistan – Longstanding regional ally
(Unconfirmed reports suggest Bangladesh may also be included)
⚠️ Key condition: Even “friendly” ships must obtain prior approval from Iranian authorities.
🔥 Why Now? Iran’s Calculated Moves
1. Sovereignty Assertion
Iran frames the strait as a “war zone” where “hostile nations” (read: U.S., UK, Israel, Saudi Arabia) forfeit passage rights.
This defies the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees innocent passage through international straits.
2. Economic Leverage
Iran’s “Friendly Five” in the Strait of Hormuz — Geopolitical Strategy or Economic Leverage?
