Iran Grants Safe Passage to Southeast Asian Oil Tankers

The Government of Iran granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia on March 28, 2026. This diplomatic opening follows a severe maritime blockade triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, which caused shipping volume through the strait to plunge by 95 percent by late March.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a bilateral agreement to stabilize Thailand's fuel imports after the nation suffered petrol station shortages and the attack of a Thai bulk carrier earlier in the month. Charnvirakul apologized for his government's misjudgment of the conflict and the subsequent chaos in fuel supply management.

Similarly, Malaysia coordinated with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure a window for seven tankers owned by Petronas, MISC Bhd, Sapura Energy, and Sepadu. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan noted that approximately 2,000 commercial vessels remain stranded in the vicinity due to heavy traffic and communication disruptions.

Indonesia also engaged in diplomatic talks to release two state-owned Pertamina tankers, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro. The Indonesian government reported that Tehran responded favorably to these requests, allowing the vessels to prepare for transit. These agreements contrast with Iran's stance that vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel do not qualify for innocent passage.