Iranian Media: "Chinese Vessels Begin Transiting the Strait of Hormuz"

Iran Grants Chinese Vessels Passage on Day of U.S.-China Summit
Conditional on Compliance with Iranian Regulations

Iranian media has reported that some China-related vessels have begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian authorization. As Iran grants passage to China, its ally, at a time when a summit between the United States and China is being held, the diplomatic contest over the Strait of Hormuz appears to be intensifying.

On May 14, Iran's Fars News Agency, citing relevant sources, reported, "Starting from last night, some Chinese vessels have begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with a decision by Iranian authorities."

The source explained, "They were allowed to navigate the strait on the condition that they comply with the regulations set by Iran."

The source also stated that this transit was made possible through the efforts of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese ambassador to Iran. He said, "The passage of Chinese vessels was promoted based on the deep ties and strategic partnership between the two countries," and added that the vessels requested by the Chinese side were ultimately granted passage after agreeing to Iran's management regulations for the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's state broadcaster also reported, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, that more than 30 vessels with Iranian authorization transited the Strait of Hormuz starting from the night of May 13. However, it was not confirmed whether these vessels were related to China.

If the reports are true, it means Iran has shown considerable goodwill toward China at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is visiting China for a summit meeting. Given that the U.S.-China summit is taking place amid a deadlock in negotiations with the United States, and that one of the main agenda items is the Middle East conflict, Iran now has a greater need to represent or protect its interests through its ally China. Through this action, Iran also appears to be emphasizing its claim that passage through the Strait of Hormuz falls under its own management authority.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.