Iran confirms safe passage for Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz amid Gulf tensions

Iran signals safe passage for India

Amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf and growing concerns about maritime security, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has indicated that India will be granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

Speaking to reporters, the envoy suggested that developments ensuring India’s access through the strategic corridor could emerge very soon. When asked directly whether India would receive safe passage, he responded: “Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours.”

#WATCH | Delhi: On giving safe passage to India, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, says, "... Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region..." pic.twitter.com/twTsE1Bjhv

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

Fathali repeated his confidence when pressed further on the matter. “Yes, yes, you can see that in the future. I think that after two or three hours,” he said, implying that positive steps were expected shortly.

His comments come at a time when maritime traffic through the narrow passage linking Gulf energy producers to global markets is under close scrutiny due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Any disruption in the Strait can have immediate repercussions for international trade and energy supplies.

Emphasising the strength of bilateral relations, the ambassador said India and Iran share common regional interests. “We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” he noted.

He also reflected on the broader ties between the two countries, describing them as rooted in longstanding friendship and cooperation. “We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests, we have common faith,” he said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, says, "... This is our suffering, and vice versa. For this reason, the Government of India helps us, and we should also help the Government of India, because we share common faith and common interests. As the… pic.twitter.com/XOwKALS7iQ — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

Fathali further acknowledged India’s role during challenging periods, stating: “As ambassador in India, I say that the government of India in this situation, after the war, helped us in different fields.”

Referring to a recent conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Fathali said: “They had a good conversation. Modi and Pezeshkian believe that they should try their best. We have announced several times that we do not want war, but we are ready for it if necessary. We have re-entered negotiations with the United States. Unfortunately, those negotiations were disturbed and destroyed at the table. Now we say to all governments: Iran does not want war, but Iran is ready for it...”

#WATCH | Delhi: On PM Modi’s conversation with Iranian President, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali says, " They had a good conversation. Modi and Pezeshkian believe that they should try their best. We have announced several times that we do not want war, but we are… pic.twitter.com/TN5t2uUaiy

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial global energy artery, carrying a substantial share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any instability in the region is closely watched by governments and shipping firms alike, particularly countries such as India, which relies heavily on crude imports transiting through the waterway.