Iran Allows Iraqi Oil Tankers Through Hormuz Amid Regional Conflict
The Iranian government has granted special permission for Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA. This move comes after repeated requests from Baghdad and follows diplomatic efforts by Iraq.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit to Iraq on August 19 was a key factor in securing this permission. During his visit, Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibet Alhalbousi emphasized the need for a special status for Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz to protect the country's economic interests.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping chokepoint that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Shipping through the waterway has fallen dramatically since the conflict erupted, with only seven commodity vessels crossing on August 20, compared to over 130 daily vessel transits before the conflict began.