Iran allowed five of its friendly nations, including India, to use the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping route that was essentially blocked due to the US-Israel war on the country since February 28. The waterway is now also open to Pakistan, China, Russia, and Iraq. Iran's foreign ministry said it was giving a free pass to its friends. However, the critical maritime corridor is not open to 'enemy nations'. These include the US, Israel, and the Gulf countries involved in the war on Iran.