Iran Envoy Confirms Special Protocols for Indian Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflict

Key Takeaways

• Iran Ambassador Fathali asserts special safety measures protect ships from friendly nations like India.
• War narratives describe the conflict as an illegal war imposed by the US with no nuclear threat.
• Strait of Hormuz remains open to allies while closed to nations involved in aggression against Iran.
• Diplomatic ties between Tehran and New Delhi are described as "true friendship" strengthened by public solidarity.
• Naval coordination for safe passage is managed on a case-by-case basis respecting Iranian sovereignty.

The Iran ambassador to India, Dr. Mohammad Fathali, addressed the ongoing geopolitical landscape during an interview with The Times of India, clarifying that strict safety protocols are active to ensure the secure transit of vessels from friendly nations. Speaking from New Delhi, the envoy detailed how maritime operations in the region are being managed amidst high tensions, emphasizing that the conflict is fundamentally an "illegal war" imposed upon Iran. This diplomatic engagement occurred against a backdrop of significant public support from the Indian populace, which Fathali credited with solidifying the bilateral bond between the two nations during these challenging periods.

The interview, conducted on April 4, 2026, served as a direct response to various media reports and inquiries regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz and the conduct of the ongoing hostilities. Fathali sought to dismantle the prevailing Iran-US war narratives, describing the recent military actions not as a preemptive defense against a non-existent nuclear threat, but as an unprovoked act of aggression. He noted that the Pentagon had quickly denied claims of an "immediate threat" despite the initial justification for the attack, characterizing the war as one based on illusions rather than factual security risks. The ambassador highlighted that the Iranian government and its people have rallied behind their leadership since the first day of the conflict, rejecting any notion of a forced regime change.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the complex logistics of maritime navigation in the region. Fathali clarified that the Strait of Hormuz, being within the territorial and internal waters of Iran and Oman, is managed with the priority of protecting the interests of these two coastal states. Consequently, the strait is currently closed to countries that have been directly or indirectly involved in the aggression against Iran. However, the envoy explicitly stated that special measures have been implemented to guarantee the safe passage of ships from friendly nations, including India. This policy is grounded in recognized international maritime laws and the principle of navigation safety, allowing for operational flexibility where necessary.

Regarding the mechanisms for this assistance, Fathali explained that the approach is not a blanket policy but is managed on a case-by-case operational basis. This ensures that coordination can be tailored to the specific conditions of each vessel and the real-time situation in the region. He reiterated that the closure of the waterway is strictly limited to nations associated with the conflict, while other international shipping activities are hindered primarily by regional insecurity and soaring insurance costs rather than a total blockade. The ambassador emphasized that any vessel wishing to transit must comply with the measures adopted by Iran and coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure security.

Strategic Maritime Measures Define Regional Security

The diplomatic stance taken by the Iranian envoy underscores a shift in how the conflict is being communicated to the international community and regional partners. By distinguishing between "friendly nations" and those involved in the aggression, Iran aims to maintain crucial trade routes essential for global energy supplies while asserting its sovereign rights to close waters to adversaries. Fathali's comments reflect a desire to maintain the "true friendship" demonstrated by India, which has provided substantial aid and public solidarity. As the conflict continues, the reliance on case-by-case coordination suggests a fluid security environment where diplomatic channels remain the primary tool for ensuring maritime stability. The Iranian government maintains that the current measures are necessary to repel aggression and will persist until the sources of the threat are eliminated, placing the responsibility for any disruption directly on the regimes of the United States and Israel for initiating the unlawful war.