Why Iran is allowing India, China, Iraq and Qatar to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Iran's stated reasons are transactional. The Iranian lawmaker who announced the exemptions said India's is meant to facilitate medicine imports into Iran, while China's aims to secure Beijing's political support. Qatar and Iraq are described as "mutual interests." Qatar is also mediating between Tehran and Washington, so favouring it helps keep that channel open. Indian and Chinese ships reportedly pay transit fees, while Qatari ships pass free. In effect, Iran is using access to the strait as currency, rewarding customers, suppliers and mediators while keeping pressure on its adversaries.