It was not immediately clear how far the move ⁠altered the situation on the ground, given Iran had already indicated during the war that neutral vessels, notably those linked to China, could transit the ⁠Strait as long as they coordinated with Iranian armed forces.

The source told Fars news the move followed requests by China’s foreign minister and ambassador to Iran, with Tehran agreeing to facilitate the passage of a number of Chinese ships in line with the two countries’ strategic partnership.