Iraq Seeks Permanent Passage for Oil Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

Iraq is engaged in direct talks with both the United States and Iran to secure uninterrupted passage for tankers carrying Iraqi crude through the Strait of Hormuz, according to lawmaker Zainab al-Khazraji. The negotiations aim to establish a permanent, rather than temporary, passage for these shipments, shielding them from regional security disruptions.

Al-Khazraji, a member of parliament's Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Committee, noted that the talks are necessary because different shipping routes through the strait are controlled by US and Iranian forces. Iraq's oil exports have risen significantly since the start of the war with Iran, increasing by 60% after initially falling below one million barrels per day.

Shipments subsequently recovered to around 1.5 million bpd and have now exceeded two million bpd, with al-Khazraji expecting them to continue recovering toward three million bpd in the coming months. This increase would significantly boost state revenue and help fund public-sector salaries.