Iran Allows Iraqi Oil Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has granted special permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a significant development following repeated diplomatic requests from Baghdad. The decision was confirmed by Iranian state media on Saturday, August 22, 2026, and was among the key requests discussed during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf's visit to Iraq earlier in the week.

The move provides a measure of relief for Iraq, whose oil exports have been severely impacted by the effective closure of the strait amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed the development on Saturday, speaking at the Baghdad Dialogue policy conference. He stated that Iran had facilitated the passage of some ships carrying Iraqi oil in recent days and that Baghdad had discussed the export of Iraqi oil through Hormuz with Iranian officials.

Amedi emphasized Iraq's desire to remain neutral, stating that the government will not accept Iraqi territory being used to launch attacks against any other country. He noted that attacks launched from inside Iraq against countries in the region have no justification and that...