JUST IN: 15 Ships Pass Through Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s Permission in Past 24 Hours as Selective Control Continues
By Reflecto News Staff
April 5, 2026
Iran has allowed 15 ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours under its selective permission system, according to shipping tracking data and Iranian state media reports. The development highlights Tehran’s continued control over the critical waterway while maintaining pressure on adversaries during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and maritime authorities confirmed that the vessels were granted safe passage after coordination with Iranian forces. The ships reportedly included tankers and cargo vessels from friendly or neutral nations, as well as some carrying essential humanitarian or commercial goods. No details were immediately released on the exact nationalities or cargoes of the vessels.
Selective Enforcement Policy
Iran has repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is not under a total blockade but is subject to restrictions targeting “hostile nations” linked to the U.S. and Israel. Safe passage continues to be granted selectively to countries and entities that maintain neutral or friendly relations with Tehran. Recent exemptions have included:
- Iraq (explicitly declared exempt from all restrictions)
- Russia
- China
- India
- Pakistan
- Humanitarian shipments (including livestock feed and essential goods)
The passage of 15 ships in a single day represents a modest but notable flow compared to the near-total disruption reported in the early weeks of the conflict. However, the majority of international commercial shipping remains heavily impacted, with many vessels rerouted, delayed, or stranded, contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The narrow chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade and a significant share of liquefied natural gas. Disruptions since late February 2026 have driven up global oil prices and contributed to higher fuel costs in the United States and elsewhere. The selective permission system allows Iran to exert leverage while avoiding complete economic isolation for its allies and regional partners.
This latest development occurs as President Donald Trump maintains his 48-hour ultimatum (recently adjusted with a new target of April 7 at 8:00 PM ET), demanding a full reopening of the strait or a comprehensive deal, with warnings of severe military consequences if unmet.
Broader Context in the Iran War
The ship passages come amid a complex and escalating military-diplomatic standoff:
- Ongoing Strikes: U.S. and Israeli operations continue, with massive explosions reported in northern Tehran, Isfahan, and other areas. The U.S. is drawing heavily from advanced munitions stockpiles, including the JASSM-ER stealth cruise missiles (only ~425 remaining worldwide from a pre-war total of ~2,300).
- Bushehr Nuclear Risks: Russia has evacuated additional staff from the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant following repeated strikes near the facility. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that attacks on nuclear sites expose the entire Gulf region to serious risks of radioactive contamination.
- Diplomatic Impasse: Iran has rejected multiple U.S. proposals linking the reopening of the strait to temporary ceasefires, insisting on its own conditions including war reparations, guarantees against future aggression, and recognition of its sovereignty over the waterway.
- Proxy Actions: Hezbollah continues rocket attacks on northern Israel, including damage to civilian sites such as a McDonald’s branch.
- U.S. Domestic Pressures: Daily war costs approach or exceed $2 billion, contributing to the administration’s request for a record $1.5 trillion defense budget for FY2027 and public discontent over economic fallout.
Senator Lindsey Graham has strongly backed Trump’s approach, warning that “a massive military operation awaits Iran if they choose poorly.”
Implications and What Lies Ahead
The passage of 15 ships demonstrates Iran’s ability to calibrate pressure on the strait — allowing limited traffic for allies while keeping the threat of broader disruption alive. However, the selective system falls far short of the full, unrestricted reopening demanded by the U.S. and its allies.
With Trump’s latest deadline approaching on April 7 at 8:00 PM ET, analysts warn that failure to achieve a breakthrough could trigger intensified strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Conversely, successful back-channel diplomacy (potentially involving mediators like Pakistan or Oman) might lead to further limited concessions or a temporary de-escalation.
The situation remains highly volatile. Global energy markets, Gulf security, and the risk of radiological incidents at sites like Bushehr continue to be major concerns for the international community.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring shipping traffic data, official statements from Tehran and Washington, and any developments around Trump’s ultimatum or military operations in the region.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information emerges on vessel movements, diplomatic efforts, or potential escalations.