Iran to allow Iraqi ships transit the Strait of Hormuz

April 7 ------ Iran has announced that Iraqi vessels can pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a relaxation of its tight control over the vital global energy route.

According to a statement from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iraq will be exempt from all restrictions, which will instead apply only to what Tehran describes as enemy countries. The statement emphasized Iran’s respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and praised its resistance to the United States.

As reported, this move comes amid heightened tensions with the United States as U.S. President Donald Trump recently renewed pressure on Tehran, demanding that it either reach an agreement or give up control of the strait, warning that severe consequences would follow within 48 hours otherwise. Iran’s military command dismissed his remarks, describing them as irrational and indicative of weakness.

Since the outbreak of conflict involving the U.S. and Israel on 28 February Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage that normally handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Although ship traffic has begun to recover slightly under a system resembling toll-controlled access, it remains more than 90% below typical levels.

Recent data shows a gradual increase in activity, notably, a Japanese-linked LNG tanker, SOHAR LNG and a container ship operated by CMA CGM have both successfully completed transits, marking early signs of limited movement through the waterway.

Source: safety4sea.com