Iran permits Iraqi oil tankers through Hormuz

Iran has granted permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following repeated requests from Baghdad over the past six months. The decision was reported by Iran's state news agency IRNA on Saturday, which noted that obtaining special transit permission was one of Iraq's main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit to Iraq. Iraqi President Nizar Amidi confirmed that Iran had facilitated the passage of vessels carrying Iraqi oil in recent days, while Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi outlined plans to expand exports through Turkey's Turkey — Ceyhan port and begin exports via Syria's Syria — Baniyas and Jordan's Jordan — Aqaba ports. Iran has asserted control over the strait since the outbreak of the Middle East war on February 28, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees. The United States, under President Donald Trump, claims total control over the waterway. Iran and Oman have been in talks to establish a new route through the strait, but negotiations have not been finalized. The number of tankers granted passage and the duration of the permission have not been disclosed.