JUST IN: Iran Says Any European, Asian, or Arab Country Is Welcome to Reach Out for an Agreement to Transit Through the Strait of Hormuz

Tehran extends an olive branch amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war, inviting non-hostile nations to coordinate safe passage through the vital waterway while maintaining restrictions on vessels linked to its adversaries and reportedly imposing high transit fees on some shipments.

By Reflecto News Desk
April 2, 2026 | Tehran / Singapore

In a notable shift in tone, Iranian officials have publicly stated that any European, Asian, or Arab country can contact Tehran to negotiate agreements for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The offer comes as the strategic chokepoint — through which roughly 20% of global LNG and a significant share of seaborne oil historically flowed — remains severely disrupted more than a month into the conflict.

The statement emphasizes coordination with Iranian authorities, respect for sovereignty and security, and exclusion of vessels belonging to “enemies” (primarily those linked to the U.S. and Israel). It builds on earlier remarks from Iranian diplomats and the Foreign Ministry, which have highlighted case-by-case approvals and the development of a vetting system managed in part by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Details of Iran’s Offer

Iran has repeatedly clarified that the Strait is not fully closed but operates under a selective regime:

• Safe passage is available to “friendly” or non-hostile nations after direct coordination.
• Countries already negotiating or granted approvals include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Bangladesh, Thailand, Japan, and Malaysia.
• Some reports indicate vessels from these nations have transited via a “safe corridor” near Iranian territorial waters (e.g., around Larak Island), with visual vetting by IRGC Navy and port authorities.
• European nations have expressed interest in safe passage but have also joined joint statements with Japan and others pledging to support efforts to secure the waterway.

Iran has reportedly begun charging substantial transit fees — in some cases up to $2 million per voyage — with at least one tanker operator confirmed to have paid. Payments have occasionally been made in yuan, signaling efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

Link to the Broader Conflict and Energy Crisis

The U.S.-Israeli strikes, which began on February 28, 2026, damaged energy infrastructure in the region, including Qatar’s LNG facilities, triggering force majeure declarations and slashing exports. Iranian actions — including threats, selective blockades, and reported mining or attacks on shipping — have paralyzed much of the normal tanker traffic.

This has triggered a global energy shock:

• Asian spot LNG prices have surged dramatically.
• China has resold record amounts of LNG (1.31 million metric tons year-to-date, equivalent to 19 cargoes) to help neighbors like South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, and the Philippines replace lost supplies.
• Some buyers have turned back to coal, raising costs and environmental concerns.

Pre-war Strait of Hormuz averages (2024 data):

• ~20.3 million barrels of oil and petroleum products per day
• ~290 million cubic meters of LNG per day
• Over 80% of the LNG destined for Asia

International Reactions

• U.S. Position: President Trump has repeatedly called for the Strait to reopen fully, extending deadlines and pressing allies to help secure it. Washington views selective agreements as insufficient and has warned against payments that could fund Iran’s military.
• European and Asian Response: Several European countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands) along with Japan have issued joint statements expressing readiness to contribute to safe passage efforts. At the same time, energy-dependent nations are pursuing bilateral deals with Tehran to protect their imports.
• Gulf States: Mixed signals; some Arab countries have joined calls for secure transit while others navigate the crisis carefully.
• UN Involvement: Iran has agreed to humanitarian safe passage requests.

Analysts see Tehran’s invitation as a pragmatic move to ease economic pressure on itself, generate revenue through fees, divide the international coalition, and demonstrate control over the waterway.

Outlook and Risks

While the offer could allow limited energy flows to resume — providing short-term relief to global markets — it falls short of a full reopening. Key uncertainties remain:

• What constitutes “coordination” and acceptable conditions?
• Will fees become standardized or escalate?
• How will the U.S. and its partners respond to bilateral deals that bypass coalition efforts?
• Will Iran’s parallel claims of “vast and strategic capabilities” and warnings of bigger attacks affect negotiations?

The situation adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, where military strikes continue alongside diplomatic maneuvering over energy security. Meanwhile, unrelated global developments — such as NASA’s successful Artemis II launch on April 1, sending humans beyond low-Earth orbit for the first time in over 50 years — highlight humanity’s dual focus on earthly crises and space exploration.

Reflecto News will continue tracking diplomatic outreach regarding the Strait of Hormuz, energy market reactions, any new transit agreements, and updates from the Iran conflict.

Sources: Iranian state media, CGTN, Reuters, Bloomberg, Lloyd’s List Intelligence, Al Jazeera, and official statements as of April 2, 2026. Developments in active conflict and maritime zones remain fluid.