Kuala Lumpur – The situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to be highly tense despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Iran has implemented a selective blockade, allowing only vessels from “friendly countries” to transit while blocking those linked to the US, Israel, or their close allies involved in the conflict.
According to shipping data and diplomatic reports, maritime traffic through the strategic waterway has dropped by more than 95% compared to normal levels. Iran is using access to the strait as diplomatic leverage to distinguish between allies and opponents.
Current Status for Each Country:
- Iran — Fully allowed. Iranian vessels continue to operate, primarily exporting oil to China.
- United States (US) — Not allowed. The US has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas since April 13, targeting ships entering or leaving Iranian facilities.
- Israel — Not allowed. Iran has explicitly blocked Israeli-linked vessels.
- India — Allowed. India has received special clearance from Iran. Several Indian vessels, including LPG tankers, have successfully transited after negotiations.
- China — Allowed (highest volume). As the largest buyer of Iranian oil, Chinese vessels (including those from COSCO) continue to pass smoothly.
- Russia — Allowed. As a close partner of Iran, Russian vessels face no major issues transiting the strait.
- Malaysia — Allowed with advantages. Malaysia is among the most successful cases. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim secured direct assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Several Malaysian tankers, including those carrying oil from Iraq, have been granted passage toll-free (“free of charge”). Iran has stated, “We do not forget our friends.”
- Indonesia — Still under negotiation. Two Pertamina tankers (Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro) were previously delayed for some time. The Indonesian government is conducting intensive talks with Iran. While there have been positive responses, the process has been more challenging compared to Malaysia due to geopolitical factors. As of now, full confirmation of unrestricted passage is still pending.
Background of the Crisis
Iran imposed restrictions following US-Israeli strikes, allowing passage mainly to countries such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Malaysia, which are viewed as “friendly.” The US responded with its own blockade on Iranian ports, creating a “dual blockade” that has severely disrupted global oil flows (approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the strait).
This has driven up global oil prices, forcing many Asian nations to seek alternative sources, including increased supplies from Russia.
Impact on Malaysia and Indonesia
Malaysia appears more successful in its diplomacy, helping secure the country’s energy supply, which relies on roughly 38-40% of its oil imports via the Hormuz route. Indonesia continues to face difficulties despite ongoing negotiations.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz can change rapidly depending on peace talks and military developments. International observers are closely monitoring whether shipping traffic will return to normal or remain restricted to specific nations only.
(Based on shipping data from Kpler, reports by Reuters, Al Jazeera, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and official statements from the Malaysian and Indonesian governments as of mid-April 2026.)
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