Iraq Seeks Special Status for Oil Exports Through Strait of Hormuz

Iraq's Parliament Speaker Haibat Al Halbousi asked Iran to grant Iraq 'special status' for oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has blocked in a standoff with the US. The request was made during a meeting between Al Halbousi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Baghdad.

Iraq's oil sales have collapsed since the war began on February 28, dropping from $6.8 billion in February to about $2.3 billion in May and June. The country spends around $6.5 billion a month on salaries, pensions, and social welfare.

Ghalibaf affirmed Iran's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and economic fields. He also hailed the 'unbreakable historic and deeply rooted bonds' between the Iranian and Iraqi people.