Iran Opens Hormuz to Iraqi Oil Tankers Amid US Blockade
The president of Iraq, Nizar Amedi, has confirmed that Iran is allowing Iraqi crude oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows a visit by Iranian chief negotiator Mohamed Baqer Qalifab to Baghdad earlier this week.
According to Amedi, Iran is granting 'facilities' for the passage of Iraqi tankers through the strait, which is essential for the country's economy. The move comes amid a blockade of the strait by the United States and the practical closure of the route.
Iraq was previously pumping around four million barrels daily before the outbreak of war in Iran in February. However, due to the blockade, Baghdad has had to reorganize its exit routes and use alternative ports such as Ceyhan in Turkey, Baniyas in Syria, or Aqaba in Jordan.
The Iraqi government aims to increase its oil exports to between 8-10 million barrels daily within a six-year horizon. Qalifab has described his visit to Iraq as 'marked by fraternal cordiality' and the start of a new phase of economic cooperation operations between the two countries.