Iran has granted permission for Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, following repeated requests from Baghdad. This development comes as Iraq seeks to increase its oil exports and navigate the complexities of regional shipping lanes.
This development eases a significant logistical hurdle for Iraq's oil exports, potentially impacting regional crude flows and highlighting ongoing efforts to secure vital shipping lanes amidst geopolitical tensions.
Iran has granted permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA. This decision comes after repeated requests from Baghdad through various diplomatic channels. The facilitation of Iraqi oil vessel passage was reportedly one of Baghdad's main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s visit to Iraq.
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that Iran had facilitated the passage of vessels carrying Iraqi oil in recent days and that Baghdad had discussed oil exports through Hormuz with Iranian officials. He noted that the issue remained complicated.
Iraq has been among the countries most affected by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic in the strait remains significantly below pre-war levels, and ships continue to face attacks in the area. Prior to the Iran war, Iraq produced approximately 4 million barrels of oil per day. Baghdad is also working to expand its exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port and to commence exports via Syria's Baniyas port and Jordan's Aqaba port.