Iran approves Iraqi oil tanker passage through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has granted permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Republic's state news agency IRNA. The decision, reported on Saturday, follows repeated requests from Baghdad made through multiple diplomatic channels.

IRNA indicated that securing special passage rights for Iraqi tankers was a key priority for the Iraqi government. The matter was raised prominently during a recent visit to Iraq by Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

The development eases a potential bottleneck for Iraqi oil exports, which rely on the strategic waterway for global shipments. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for crude trade, and any restrictions on its use can have significant implications for energy markets.

Neither the specific number of tankers affected nor the duration of the permission was disclosed in the state media report. The move signals a cooperative step between the two neighbouring nations on energy logistics.