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AT least seven Malaysian-linked vessels are expected to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, following assurances from Tehran despite mounting geopolitical tensions in the region.
Iran’s ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, said authorities had been informed of the presence of Malaysian ships in the Persian Gulf and their intention to transit the strategic waterway.
“We received information from the Malaysian Foreign Minister that several Malaysian vessels are in the Persian Gulf and wish to transit this route. We have considered this matter and, God willing, they will be allowed to pass. There is no issue because Malaysia is a friendly country, and friendly countries are permitted to use this strait,” Bernama quoted him saying in an interview at the Iranian Embassy.
He added that Malaysian vessels would not be subject to any transit charges. “Of course, Malaysian ships are free to pass. We will not impose any fees.”
The assurance comes after Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed that seven Malaysian tankers were awaiting clearance to transit the strait, including vessels owned by Petronas, MISC Berhad, Sapura Energy, and Shapadu Corporation. Four of these ships are reported to be carrying crude oil.
He explained that the vessels were not being detained but were waiting for a safe window and official clearance to proceed.
Restrictions on maritime movement in the strait were introduced after Iran imposed selective limitations in response to attacks by the United States and Israel roughly a month ago.
The waterway typically handles around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption highly sensitive for international markets.
Valiollah emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, rejecting suggestions of a full closure, while describing current measures as targeted and lawful.
“I want to emphasise that the Strait of Hormuz is not closed. It is restricted for certain parties, not for everyone. If you attack Iran, you cannot use this strait. But we are not closing it.”
He added that access is being restricted only to countries involved in or supporting military action against Iran, while friendly nations continue to be granted passage subject to coordination with Iranian authorities.
The ambassador also dismissed the possibility of foreign naval intervention, following reports that the United States had sought NATO support to escort vessels through the strait, warning that such a presence would be perceived as backing aggression.
Addressing the surge in global fuel prices, he said that historically, Iran had refrained from closing the strait despite decades of sanctions, citing the wider impact on the global economy.
“Iran has been under sanctions for 47 years, but we have never closed the Strait of Hormuz.
“We could do it, but we have not. If we closed it, people around the world would suffer. We have problems with the United States, but we do not want to extend those problems to other countries or the global market.”
However, he suggested that the current situation reflects a shift in approach, placing responsibility for rising energy prices on countries involved in recent attacks.
“But now it is different. If someone attacks your home and then wants to use your strait, of course you would say no,” he said. - March 31, 2026
