Iran is taking the initiative to change the legal regime of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz from “transit passage” to “innocent passage,” a move that could significantly alter global shipping patterns and reshape geopolitical power dynamics in the Middle East and beyond.
Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, Iranian ambassador to Bangladesh, said Tehran is taking legislative steps through its parliament (Majlis) to formally redefine the legal status of the strait.
The proposal, if implemented, would grant Iran greater authority over one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adopted in 1982, currently classifies the Strait of Hormuz as a transit passage. Under this regime, vessels of all nations including commercial ships, warships, and submarines are allowed to pass through without prior permission, provided they do so continuously and without threat.
Although Iran signed the convention, it was never ratified by the Majlis. According to the ambassador, this has opened the door for Tehran to pursue a different legal framework based on “innocent passage.”
Shift from open access to controlled passage
Under the proposed “innocent passage” regime, all vessels would be required to obtain prior approval and coordinate with Iranian authorities before transiting the strait. This marks a stark departure from the existing system, where ships can move freely without seeking authorisation.
“Under the new system, no ship including warships and submarines will be allowed to pass without Iran’s explicit permission,” Jahanabadi said.
He added that, in practice, Iran already exercises significant control over maritime traffic in the strait. “Before the war, around 130 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Now that number has dropped to about 12. All ships are taking permission before passage,” he said.
The ambassador further claimed that hundreds of vessels are currently waiting in queues for clearance, while the daily volume of oil transported through the strait, previously estimated around 11 million barrels, has declined sharply.
Implications for global trade and security
Such a shift could have far-reaching consequences for international trade. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, particularly oil exports from the Persian Gulf.
By transitioning to an “innocent passage” regime, Iran would effectively centralise control over the waterway, introducing new bureaucratic procedures and potential political conditions for passage. This could increase shipping costs, cause delays, and heighten uncertainty for global markets.
The move is also seen as a strategic effort to strengthen Iran’s control over regional security. Greater authority over the strait would allow Tehran to monitor and potentially restrict the movement of foreign naval forces, particularly those it considers hostile.
“In essence, this change would transform the Strait of Hormuz from an open international waterway into a regulated corridor under Iranian sovereignty,” Ambassador Jalil Rahimi said, adding that access could become contingent on political alignment and bilateral relations.
Strain in Dhaka-Tehran relations
Despite longstanding friendly ties, the issue has also highlighted subtle tensions between Iran and Bangladesh.
The ambassador expressed disappointment over what he described as Dhaka’s “ambiguous” response to the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel.
“While the Bangladeshi government has expressed concern, Iran expects a clearer and stronger condemnation of the aggressors,” he said.
Iranian officials, however, acknowledge that Bangladesh’s stance may be influenced by its economic interests, particularly the presence of millions of Bangladeshi workers in Arab countries. Maintaining balanced diplomatic relations remains a key priority for Dhaka.
Nevertheless, Tehran has urged Bangladesh to adopt a more definitive position, pointing to countries like Pakistan and Turkey as examples of nations that have taken clearer stances.
Assurance for Bangladeshi vessels
Amid rising tensions, Iran has pledged full cooperation to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the ambassador, Tehran is providing support to six Bangladeshi ships currently in the sea, following a request from the Bangladeshi government. He described the assistance as part of Iran’s responsibility toward friendly nations, even as it seeks to assert greater control over the waterway.
