Iran Grants Iraqi Oil Tankers Passage Through Hormuz Strait

The government of Iran granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after repeated diplomatic requests from Baghdad. The decision followed a visit to Iraq by Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, during which the transit of vessels was a primary point of discussion.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that Iran facilitated the passage of these vessels in recent days, though he noted the situation remains complicated. Iraq has suffered significant economic impacts due to Iran's effective closure of the strait, which has kept maritime traffic well below pre-war levels.

To reduce dependence on the chokepoint, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stated that Baghdad is working to expand oil exports through the Ceyhan port in Turkey. Iraq is also seeking to establish new export routes through the Baniyas port in Syria and the Aqaba port in Jordan.