Amidst the ongoing war and oil and gas shortage in the world, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has clearly said that ships of five friendly countries including India can pass safely through the Hormuz route. The five countries that Araghchi has said will give way are India, China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan. Iran's announcement is good news for all five countries. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea lanes in the world. About one-fifth of global oil trade passes through this narrow route.

Come, let us know why Iran, which has been at war with America for the last one month, is deciding to do so? Why are these five countries special for Iran and what is the diplomacy behind it?

1- China is a big economic support of Iran

Relations between China and Iran have deepened in the last few years. For Iran, China is not only a trading partner but also a strategic shield. China has promised to invest billions of dollars in Iran's infrastructure and energy sector. When Western countries imposed strict sanctions on Iran, China was the only country that continued to buy Iranian oil. A 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement between the two countries has been signed just a few years ago.

Xi Jinping.

China needs Iran's oil for its energy security, and Iran needs China's market to save its economy. Therefore, giving green signal to Chinese ships in Hormuz is like securing its economic lifeline for Iran.

2- Russia is an old partner of military and security

The relationship between Russia and Iran is based on the policy of enemy-enemy-friend. Both countries are facing US and Western sanctions. From the Syrian war to the Ukraine crisis, Russia and Iran have cooperated with each other at the military level. Iran provides drones and other technology to Russia, while Russia is considering giving advanced missile defense systems and fighter aircraft to Iran.

Vladimir Putin (Photo- Kremlin Russia)

Russia is a superpower and a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Iran knows how important Russia's support is for it on international forums. Providing security to Russian ships in Hormuz is an essential part of this strong military alliance.

3- India: is a balanced and old friend

Relations between India and Iran are very old historically and culturally. Although India also has very good relations with America, it has always kept its relations with Iran independent. India is developing Chabahar port in Iran. This port gives India a way to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan.

PM Narendra Modi.

This port is a major source of foreign investment and trade for Iran. India is the third largest oil consumer in the world. India has been a big buyer of Iranian oil in the past. Iran wants India to start buying oil from it again. By giving exemption to Indian ships, Iran wants to send the message that it considers India a reliable regional power.

4- Iraq: Neighbors as well as religious affiliations

The borders of Iraq and Iran meet and there are deep religious and political relations between the two countries. Shia Muslim population is in majority in both the countries. Every year millions of Iranian pilgrims visit Najaf and Karbala in Iraq. This religious affiliation also affects the politics of both the countries. Iraq is a big market for Iran. Iran supplies electricity and gas to Iraq. Apart from this, many political groups present in Iraq are supporters of Iran. Giving passage to Iraqi ships from Hormuz is part of Iran's regional security policy, so that relations with its neighboring country remain tension-free.

Shahbaz Sharif

5- Pakistan: This country is necessary for regional stability

Pakistan and Iran are neighboring countries. Although there are occasional border disputes between them, both countries know that they cannot ignore each other. Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline is an ambitious project. Iran wants it to be completed soon so that it can sell energy to Pakistan. Cooperation of Iran and Pakistan is necessary for stability in Afghanistan. Iran does not want any new crisis to arise on its eastern border. Giving priority to Pakistan's ships is also a step to restore confidence as a neighbour.

Strait of Hormuz.

Importance of Hormuz and Iran's strategy

The width of the Strait of Hormuz is very narrow in some places. Iran's geographical position is such that it can have complete control over this route. Whenever Iran's tensions with America or Israel increase, it threatens to close this route. Iran has a well-thought-out strategy behind giving priority to these five countries.

• Neutralizing Sanctions: Iran wants to reduce the impact of Western sanctions by continuing trade with these countries.
• factionalism: Iran wants to show the world that it is not alone. It has the support of superpowers like China and Russia and emerging economies like India.
• Safety armor: If the ships of these countries continue to pass safely through Hormuz, it will be difficult for America or other countries to take military action against Iran, because it will affect the interests of these five countries.

Iran giving green signal to ships of India, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iraq is not just a business decision. This is a deep diplomatic move. Iran is countering international pressure by keeping these countries in its fold. This situation is beneficial for India because it needs Iran's cooperation for its energy needs and Chabahar project. At the same time, these five countries are working as a security shield for Iran to protect its economy and sovereignty. Simply put, Iran has chosen its most trusted friends so that its maritime borders and trade remain safe in difficult times.