New Delhi, March 12 -- Iran has permitted Indian-flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz following back-channel diplomatic negotiations between New Delhi and Tehran - even as the waterway remains effectively closed to ships linked to the United States, Europe, and Israel, according to several media reports.

The Indian-flagged tankers Pushpak and Parimal transited the Strait of Hormuz safely, according to News18 quoting people familiar with the matter.

The most consequential development, first reported by Hindustan Times, involves a Liberian-flagged vessel that has now berthed at Mumbai port - the first India-destined tanker to complete the passage through the strait since hostilities erupted.

The Shenlong, a Suezmax-class tanke...