Iran Allows South Africa, Gabon, Liberia Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz, Blocks Botswana Vessel

By Echos News Editorial Team
Published: April 11, 2026

Introduction

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, has once again become the center of global attention. Following a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Tehran has allowed tankers from South Africa, Gabon, and Liberia to transit the strait, while a Botswana-flagged liquefied natural gas vessel was denied passage. This selective allowance highlights Iran’s strategic control over maritime traffic and its geopolitical leverage in global energy markets.

Background: The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is responsible for the transit of nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil. Any disruption in this passage has immediate consequences for global energy prices and supply chains.

Historically, tensions between Iran and Western powers have often centered around control of this strait. The latest developments underscore Tehran’s ability to dictate terms of passage, even after a ceasefire intended to stabilize the region.

Key Developments

• Gabon-flagged tanker MSG successfully completed passage, carrying 7,000 tonnes of Emirati fuel oil bound for India.
• Liberia-flagged tanker Daytona Beach also crossed, departing Iran’s Bandar Abbas port and transiting safely.
• Botswana-flagged LNG tanker Nidi was turned back by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, underscoring selective restrictions.
• Ship-tracking data shows only 12 vessels have crossed since the ceasefire, compared to a normal daily volume of over 100.
• More than 600 vessels remain stranded in the Gulf, including 325 tankers, raising concerns about prolonged supply disruptions.

Iran’s Diplomatic Position

Iran’s ambassador to South Africa, Mansour Shakib Mehr, clarified that only vessels linked to the United States and Israel are restricted. He suggested that “special arrangements” could be extended to South Africa, allowing continued access to Gulf energy supplies. This diplomatic outreach signals Tehran’s intent to strengthen ties with African economies while isolating Western adversaries.

Economic Implications

Despite Nigeria and Angola cushioning supply disruptions across Africa, the continent remains vulnerable to global price volatility. Iran has floated proposals to impose a $2 million toll per container ship and even levy payments in cryptocurrency per barrel of oil. Such measures could reshape shipping economics and accelerate alternative payment systems outside the US dollar.

Geopolitical Reactions

US President Donald Trump criticized Iran’s management of oil transit, warning against charging fees to tankers. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of failing to honor the ceasefire, pointing to ongoing conflicts in Lebanon as evidence of US duplicity.

These exchanges highlight the fragile nature of the truce and the likelihood of renewed tensions in the Gulf.

Impact on Global Shipping

With hundreds of vessels stranded and traffic volumes far below normal, shipping costs are rising. Insurance premiums for Gulf transit have surged, and operators face uncertainty over Iran’s evolving policies. Countries including China, Malaysia, India, and Egypt are negotiating directly with Tehran to secure passage, underscoring the strait’s centrality to global trade.

Conclusion

Iran’s decision to allow South African, Gabonese, and Liberian tankers through the Strait of Hormuz while blocking Botswana’s vessel illustrates the country’s selective enforcement of maritime access. This move reinforces Tehran’s geopolitical leverage, exposes vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains, and raises questions about the future of international shipping in one of the world’s most contested waterways.

As negotiations continue, the world watches closely. The Strait of Hormuz remains not just a passage for oil, but a symbol of power, diplomacy, and economic survival.

Source: msn

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