Iran has allowed a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after repeated requests from Baghdad, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
The decision followed several requests from Iraqi officials through diplomatic channels. IRNA reported that the issue was one of Baghdad’s main requests during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s recent visit to Iraq.
Iraqi Oil Tankers Receive Special Permission
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi said Iran had recently helped several vessels carrying Iraqi oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He also said Baghdad had discussed plans to export Iraqi oil through the strategic waterway with Iranian officials.
However, Amedi said the situation remains complicated. He made the comments on Saturday during the Baghdad Dialogue policy conference.
The Iraqi oil tankers received special permission after Baghdad raised concerns about the impact of restrictions on shipping through the Strait.
Hormuz Disruption Hits Iraq
Iraq has been among the countries most affected by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, shipping traffic remains well below levels seen before the war.
Ships also continue to face security threats in the area. As a result, Iraq has been looking for alternative routes to keep its oil exports moving.
Iraq produced around 4 million barrels of oil per day before the Iran war began. Therefore, disruptions around Hormuz pose a major challenge to the country’s oil industry and economy.
Iraq Seeks Alternative Oil Routes
Baghdad is now working to increase oil exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan port. The government also plans to explore exports through Syria’s Baniyas port and Jordan’s Aqaba port.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi outlined those plans on Friday. The moves could help Iraq reduce its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz if shipping restrictions continue.
For now, Iran’s decision to allow some Iraqi oil tankers through the Strait offers limited relief to Baghdad. However, the wider shipping situation remains uncertain as tensions continue to affect one of the world’s most important oil routes.
