Iran opens Strait for Bangladesh fuel
Iran has confirmed that it is actively coordinating the safe transit of six Bangladeshi fuel-carrying vessels through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, while urging Bangladesh to take a clearer diplomatic position on what Tehran described as “US-Israeli aggression” in the Middle East.
Speaking at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said Tehran has received detailed information about the vessels and taken steps to ensure their security.
“We have received the specifications of your six fuel ships and shared these with Iran’s security and political authorities to
coordinate their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said. He added that the coordination process took nearly two weeks, requiring detailed information including IMO numbers, fuel types, and navigation routes.
“There is currently no problem for these tankers,” he stressed, noting that Bangladesh’s urgent fuel needs had been communicated with supporting reports and images of crowded filling stations.
The ambassador also highlighted Iran’s role in facilitating the safe return of Bangladeshi nationals amid the regional tensions. “At Bangladesh’s request, we ensured the safe exit of 1,800 Bangladeshi nationals,” he said, adding that even those without valid visas were treated leniently and only received nominal fines before their departure was coordinated with Iranian authorities.
Despite this cooperation, Ambassador Jahanabadi expressed dissatisfaction with Bangladesh’s official response to the conflict. “When countries such as Spain, or even individuals in the United States, explicitly condemn aggression against Iran and the killing of students, we expect Bangladesh to do the same under the UN Charter,” he said.
The envoy also addressed Iran’s approach to the legal regime of the Strait of Hormuz. Citing the 1982 Law of the Sea, he said Tehran intends to move from a “transit passage” regime to an “innocent passage” framework, meaning no ship, warship or submarine could pass without Iran’s permission and coordination. Iranian authorities are also considering the introduction of coordination fees or tariffs to enhance security and environmental oversight, although the plan is not yet finalised.
Ambassador Jahanabadi was critical of the United Nations, describing it as ineffective in addressing the crisis. Using a folk analogy, he compared the UN’s expression of regret to a powerless relative offering curses rather than action. He said Iran has therefore adopted a policy of “self-help,” relying on its own defence capabilities rather than international mechanisms.
Regarding mediation efforts, he welcomed initiatives by countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, but dismissed recent proposals from the United States. “We recently received a 15-point message from the Americans, essentially a list of their wishes. We gave no response,” he said, adding that US calls for peace were selective and conditional.
On the conflict’s duration, the ambassador insisted that Iran remains on the defensive. “We did not start this, and if the aggression ends, we will not continue,” he said, clarifying that Iran has targeted US bases, not Arab countries.
He explained why Bangladesh was singled out for criticism, citing shared religious and cultural ties. “China and Russia are allies, but not brothers or Islamic countries. We hold Bangladesh to a higher standard because we consider you friends and fellow Muslims,” he said.
Ambassador Jahanabadi characterised the ongoing hostilities as a broad civilisational, cultural, security, human, environmental, and economic confrontation, rather than a purely military operation.
Seyed Reza Mirmohammadi, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka, was present during the briefing.
