Amidst the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran stopped two Chinese ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (27 March 2026). This step of Tehran has shocked the world because till now it has been saying that only ships of Israel and America’s allied countries will not pass through this sea route. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz is closed and warned ships belonging to US and Israel’s allies against passing through it.
Iran sent back two Chinese ships
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, Iran sent back two Chinese-owned ships from the Strait of Hormuz. The report claims that two Chinese ships named CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean turned back near Larak Island near Iran’s southern port Bandar Abbas. According to Nour News, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed that they have returned three container ships from different countries and have banned ships coming and going from the ports of countries that support America and Israel.
Which ships is Iran allowing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?
WSJ also reported that now only those ships are being allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which are carrying selected goods like household goods, cars, clothes and medicines for Iran. Whereas some ships carrying grains have recently been allowed to enter Iran’s ports after much delay.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Katz has warned of more rapid attacks on Iran. The Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East. America says that this will increase the options to attack Iran. Trump has extended the decision not to attack the Iranian energy sector by three more times.
Relations between China and Iran are very old. China has been selling arms to Iran since before Trump became President, but has avoided giving security guarantees. Whereas Iran sells 90 percent of its oil to China.
Also read: Middle East War: Rockets rain on Israel, Hezbollah attack creates panic, one dead, many injured