Iran has begun letting a few ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but only with its approval, and in at least one documented case only after a $2 million payment.
The strait has been effectively closed to most commercial shipping since early March 2026, after fighting intensified between Iran, the United States and their allies. Oil prices have surged. Thousands of seafarers are stranded on vessels west of the strait. No timeline for reopening has been announced.
Iran’s corridor
Financial Express reported that ships are being registered and vetted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and inspected visually near Iran’s coastline, before they may proceed through a designated “safe corridor.” Several governments, India and Pakistan among them, are talking directly with Iranian officials to win passage for their vessels.
The U.S. campaign
Hindustan Times reported that the United States has sent A-10 warplanes and Apache helicopters against Iranian naval vessels and drones. The Pentagon calls it a multistage operation and reports the destruction of over 120 Iranian naval vessels. U.S. officials estimate it could still take weeks to lower the threat enough for commercial ships to move safely.
U.S. military officials confirmed 44 of the destroyed vessels were mine-layers. American forces have also hit mine storage sites and naval ammunition depots along Iran’s southern coast, with air and ground assets involved.
Allies hold back
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan said they are ready to help ensure safe passage. None has committed to immediate military involvement, citing the risk and the continuing hostilities. Their joint statement said: “We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping.”
European nations, Japan and Canada separately said they would join suitable efforts to steady energy markets and protect maritime security. They stressed freedom of navigation under international law and asked for help for the countries hit hardest.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met President Donald Trump at the White House and reaffirmed the alliance. “Ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance,” she said afterward. Japan’s constitution limits what it can do, though officials have pointed to possible help with minesweeping and maritime security.
European Union leaders called for the strait to reopen and for strikes on energy and water infrastructure to stop, citing the economic damage and higher energy prices. The EU has pledged no military assets, although several member states signaled they would take part once hostilities ease.
Trump has asked NATO and other powers to help reopen the waterway. Most allies have declined direct military involvement so far and are concentrating on planning and diplomacy.
