By Selcan Hacaoglu and Firat Kozok On April 1, 2026, Turkey is asking the Iranian government for permission for 11 Turkish-owned ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the country’s transportation min...
By Selcan Hacaoglu and Firat Kozok
On April 1, 2026, Turkey is asking the Iranian government for permission for 11 Turkish-owned ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the country’s transportation minister.
Currently, there are 14 Turkish-owned vessels in the strait, Abdulkadir Uraloglu told reporters in Ankara. He noted that three of these ships are engaged in ongoing operations, such as power generation, and they are not looking to leave.
Uraloglu mentioned that “discussions are ongoing” regarding the other ships, emphasizing that Turkish authorities are maintaining regular contact with the crews.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage, carrying about 20% of the world's oil and gas supply. Following the outbreak of war on February 28, Iran effectively blocked the strait, disrupting not only oil and gas shipments but also the transport of other goods like fertilizers and metals.
Since the conflict began, only one Turkish-owned ship has received approval to pass through Hormuz, and that was granted because the ship used an Iranian port, Uraloglu stated earlier this month.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressed parliament on Wednesday, noting, “One of the main dangers facing our region is not only the prolongation of the war but also the risk of it turning into a regional conflict. Unfortunately, retaliatory attacks targeting energy, transport, and civilian infrastructure are increasing this risk.”
Brent crude oil prices have surged by about 42% since the start of the war, despite fluctuating due to mixed signals about when and how the conflict might be resolved.
On Wednesday, prices fell slightly after President Donald Trump suggested that the US could withdraw from the conflict within the next two to three weeks.