Iran Grants Safe Passage to Malaysian Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed this Thursday (March 26) that President Masoud Pezeshkian has authorized the clearance for Malaysian ships. While thanking the Iranian leadership, Anwar Ibrahim noted that work is underway to safely bring back Malaysian oil tankers and their crews.

Despite the exemption, Malaysia is bracing for economic fallout; the government plans to reduce monthly subsidized petrol quotas and implement phased work-from-home policies for civil servants to manage energy costs. Malaysia currently imports nearly 70% of its crude oil from the Gulf region. This development follows Tehran’s earlier announcement permitting "friendly nations" like China, Russia, India, Iraq, Pakistan, and now Bangladesh to navigate the strait, while keeping it strictly closed to US and Israeli-linked entities.