Iran Grants Iraq Hormuz Tanker Exemption

Iran has granted special permission to several Iraqi oil tankers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Baghdad had repeatedly requested the exemption through various diplomatic channels, and the issue was among the main topics of discussion during the Iranian parliament speaker's visit to Iraq.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that Iran has facilitated the passage of ships carrying Iraqi oil in recent days, but he also noted that the situation remains complicated.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly lower than before the outbreak of the war, and vessels in the area continue to face attacks.

Before the conflict, Iraq was producing approximately four million barrels of oil per day. Baghdad is therefore seeking to reduce its dependence on this strategic route and expand its export options. It plans to boost exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan and is also exploring routes via Baniyas in Syria and Aqaba in Jordan.

(Reuters, mja)