Iranian Navy guided India's LPG vessel via Strait of Hormuz last week

The development comes as tensions in the region have disrupted global shipping routes and heightened risks for energy transportation through one of the world's most critical chokepoints.

Amid escalating conflict in the Middle East involving the US and Israel, who are pitted against Iran, the Iranian Navy last week guided an Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker through the Strait of Hormuz along a pre-approved route, following diplomatic engagement by New Delhi, according to a senior officer onboard the vessel, Bloomberg reported.

The officer, who spoke to Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity as the crew were not authorised to speak publicly, said the tanker was one of two Indian ships allowed to make the sensitive crossing.

The development comes as tensions in the region have disrupted global shipping routes and heightened risks for energy transportation through one of the world’s most critical chokepoints.

During the transit, the vessel remained in radio contact with the Iranian Navy, which collected detailed information including the ship’s flag, origin, destination and crew nationality, the report added.

All crew members were Indian. The ship was then guided along a designated path, suggesting a controlled passage system being implemented by Tehran.

“It seems that Iran is allowing select vessels to transit Hormuz after verification which takes place during the ships’ transit inside Iranian waters,” said Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group. “While ships are being allowed to transit, it is mostly only to the benefit of Iran.”