Iran will allow ships carrying “essential goods“ to pass through the closed Strait of Hormuz,” according to the state-run Tasnim news agency.
It is not clear which items Iran defines as “essential” or whether Tehran will maintain its blockade on ships from countries it considers hostile.
In a document addressed to the head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization, Homan Fathi, deputy chairman for trade development, said “permission is hereby granted for the transit of ships carrying essential goods – especially basic goods and livestock products&rdash; through the Strait of Hormuz”.
The Iranian official said that The order applies to “ships heading to Iranian ports or currently operating in the region“, Tasnim reported.
“Relevant executive bodies have been instructed to take the necessary measures, in accordance with the issued protocols, to facilitate the passage of these ships“, he added.
A list of ships prepared to pass through the critical waterway “will be sent for coordination“, Ghazali said.