Thailand agrees with Iran on Hormuz oil transit access
Reported Facts
Observable data points shared across all narratives
- •On 2026-03-28, Thailand’s prime minister said his government had secured an agreement with Iran for Thai vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
- •By 2026-03-28, Pakistan had confirmed that Iran agreed to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- •Middle East outlets reported that Iran had already allowed additional Pakistani ships to transit Hormuz before the latest 20-ship deal.
- •Regional media described Indonesia’s talks with Iran as ‘positive’ and said Jakarta is seeking permission for Pertamina tankers to pass through Hormuz.
- •Russian outlets reported that in March 2026 about 80% of tankers passing the Strait of Hormuz were owned by Iran or countries aligned with it.
- •Iran’s parliament committees have approved draft measures to impose tariffs or paid passage on ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
- •US politicians such as Senator Marco Rubio have publicly warned that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened either with Iran’s consent or through a military coalition.
- •Pakistani officials have said Islamabad could host Iran-US talks in the coming days, with the Strait of Hormuz and shipping access on the agenda.
Core Disagreement— Iran’s Motive
According to West, iran using hormuz control to threaten rivals and gain leverage. However, Russia sources see it as iran exercising lawful control and seeking new revenue.
Narrative Split
How different information blocks interpret these facts
REGIONAL
Selective Transit Deals
Regional outlets in South and Southeast Asia present Iran’s Hormuz policy as a system of selective transit deals where countries like Pakistan, Thailand, and Indonesia negotiate access for their own tankers. These reports stress that governments are racing to secure crude supplies and protect national oil companies such as Pertamina and Thai buyers while Iran keeps tight control over the chokepoint. Commentators expect more Asian states to pursue similar arrangements, leaving those without deals exposed to higher costs and supply risks.
- •Pakistan has secured Iranian approval for at least 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
- •Thailand’s government has reached an understanding with Iran that allows Thai vessels to transit Hormuz for oil shipments.
- •Indonesia is in ongoing talks with Iran to obtain passage rights for Pertamina tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
- •Iran is using national-flag deals to decide which countries’ ships can move oil through Hormuz during the conflict.
- •Asian importers without direct agreements with Tehran face greater uncertainty over shipping routes and insurance.
WEST
Iranian Chokepoint Control
Western outlets describe Iran as ‘calling the shots’ in the Strait of Hormuz, using control of the waterway to pressure rivals and extract economic concessions. Reports highlight that only some tankers are allowed through under special arrangements, while others face a blockade risk and possible tolls. Commentators expect Washington and its partners to keep pushing for a full reopening, including by threatening a naval coalition if Iran does not ease restrictions.
- •Iran is deciding which tankers can pass Hormuz, giving Tehran strong control over global oil flows.
- •Selective passage deals for countries like Pakistan and Thailand show Iran can reward friendly states while squeezing others.
RU
Paid Passage Plan
Russian outlets focus on Iran’s plan to formalize paid passage through Hormuz, portraying it as a sovereign decision over a vital waterway. They note that most tankers currently using the strait are Iranian or from allied countries, suggesting that Western pressure has not broken Tehran’s grip. Commentators predict that if a tariff law passes, many countries will either pay Iran’s fees or seek closer ties with Tehran to secure cheaper or more reliable access.
- •Iran’s parliament committees have backed draft laws to introduce tariffs on ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
- •In March 2026, roughly 80% of tankers passing Hormuz were owned by Iran or allied states.
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Where Narratives Diverge
Key disagreements, blind spots, and what to watch next.
Iran’s Motive◇Different Reading
West
Iran using Hormuz control to threaten rivals and gain leverageRussia
Iran exercising lawful control and seeking new revenueSo what
Readers cannot tell whether Iran’s policy is mainly coercive or mainly economic.
Transit Deals◇Different Reading
West
Selective deals show Iran rewarding friends and punishing othersRegional
Transit deals seen as practical steps to secure oilSo what
It is hard to judge if Asian governments are normalizing Iran’s control or just managing short-term risk.
Reopening Path⚡Disputed
West
US pressure or force will eventually reopen Hormuz fullyRussia
Iran can keep tight control while allowing friendly trafficSo what
No one can say whether full, non-discriminatory passage will resume soon or not.
Deal Terms○Nobody Covers
No block reports the exact terms of Thailand’s and Pakistan’s transit deals with Iran, such as fees, duration, or volume limits, making it impossible to know how costly or fragile these arrangements are.
Iran Tariff Law▸What to Watch
If Iran’s parliament passes and publishes a final law on paid passage through Hormuz in the coming weeks, the text will show whether Tehran plans broad tolls for all ships or special treatment for selected countries.
What Could Happen If...
- ▸If Iran’s parliament passes a broad tariff law covering all ships in the Strait of Hormuz Global oil importers, including Thailand and Pakistan, may face higher freight and insurance costs that feed into domestic fuel and food prices.
Market Exposure
Different sides disagree on how this affects markets. The same instrument may move in opposite directions depending on which reading proves correct.
According to West sources
CommodityBrent CrudeUpward Pressure
If Iran imposes tariffs and keeps selective control over Hormuz transit, shipping and insurance costs for many tankers will rise, pushing Brent Crude prices higher as buyers pay more to secure supplies.
Key Actors
Countries
Instruments
Source Coverage
WEST
2 articles
RU
8 articles
CN
More coverage on this story
- More on Islamic Republic of Iran
- More on Thailand
- More on oil
- More on Srettha Thavisin
Narrative Analysis
Divergence Detectedconfidence: 95%
Signals
Cross-block coverage detectedMultiple blocks covering the same event
Related Events
▸Iranian Parliament Committee Approves Strait of Hormuz Toll PlanArchived▸Iran Allows South African Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid TensionsArchived▸Iran charges up to $2 million for Strait of Hormuz ship passageArchived▸Iran Lawmakers Propose Shipping Tolls in Strait of HormuzArchived▸Ship Pays $2M to Pass Iran, Signaling New Maritime Practice
Primary Sources (33)
WESTFrance24 - World (EN)Iran are now 'calling the shots' over the Strait of HormuzWESTABC News (AU) - Just In'You're going to run the strait': The financial incentive for braving Iran's blockadeRUKommersant (RU)Комиссия парламента Ирана одобрила введение пошлин для судов в Ормузском проливеRUInterfax (RU)США требуют открытия Ормузского пролива после завершения конфликта с Ираном