Is this true? "Iran says countries expelling US and Is*aeli ambassadors get free Hormuz passage"

 

Yes, this is true. As of March 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially stated that Arab or European countries that expel U.S. and Israeli ambassadors will be granted full freedom and safe passage through the 

Strait of Hormuz

. 

Context of the Policy

This announcement comes amid an active conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel that began in late February 2026. 

• Political Alignment: Iran is using access to the world's most critical energy chokepoint as strategic leverage to force diplomatic shifts against its adversaries.
• Selective Access: While ships from "hostile" nations (U.S., Israel, and their allies) are blocked or targeted, Iran has reportedly already granted safe passage to vessels from "friendly" nations such as 
  India
  , 
  China
  , 
  Russia
  , 
  Pakistan
  , and 
  Iraq
  .
• Economic Impact: The Strait of Hormuz typically handles roughly 20% of the world's oil supply. The current disruptions have caused oil prices to surge and insurance premiums for shipping in the region to skyrocket. 

"War Tolls" and Passage Conditions

Beyond diplomatic requirements, Iran has begun formalizing its control over the waterway through new economic measures: 

• Transit Fees: Iranian lawmakers have proposed a "war toll" or transit fee, with reports of some vessels being charged up to $2 million for safe passage.
• Vetting System: The IRGC has implemented a vetting process where approved vessels must submit cargo and crew details to intermediaries to receive an escort and a transit code.
• International Reaction: The U.S. and other international bodies have condemned these fees as a violation of the U.N. Law of the Sea, which generally guarantees "innocent passage" through international straits.
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