Key facts
- Iraqi crude oil tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US has imposed a blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports.
- Iran and Oman are discussing a plan for shared control of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US blockade was announced after peace talks between the US and Iran failed.
- China has criticized the US blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible'.
Iraqi state media reported that tankers carrying crude oil have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. This development occurs as the United States has implemented a blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports, following the failure of recent peace talks between the US and Iran. At least three vessels, including two tankers sanctioned by the United States, entered the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the first full day of the US blockade. These vessels were not heading to Iranian ports and were therefore not impacted by the blockade. The Panama-flagged Peace Gulf is en route to Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. The Handy tanker Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil. Another sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, is reportedly the first to exit the Gulf since the blockade began, carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol.
US President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after peace talks in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, failed to yield an agreement. Prior to the blockade, Iran had significantly disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-Israeli attacks on its territory. This disruption had caused global gas and petrol prices to surge. Washington's aim with the blockade is to curtail Tehran's control over the strait and prevent Iranian tankers from transiting.
Al Jazeera’s Malik Traina reported from Kuwait City that the situation complicates passage for commercial vessels, requiring permission from both Iran and the US. He noted a significant risk of escalation if Iranian vessels are stopped, potentially leading Iran to retaliate by blocking other vessels. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Guo Jiakun, stated that the US blockade would exacerbate tensions and undermine the ceasefire agreement, calling it 'dangerous and irresponsible behavior.' China relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, with a substantial portion of its imports coming from Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are discussing a plan that would give Tehran full control over inbound shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Oman clearing ships for exit after notifying Iran, according to a senior Iranian source. This plan would give Iran visibility over outbound traffic, with the possibility to intervene if necessary, and Tehran is unlikely to accept any other alternative to reopen the Strait.