Iran gives permission for Iraqi oil tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi announced on Saturday that Iran had granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following multiple requests from Baghdad amid ongoing regional conflict. Speaking at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue conference, Amidi highlighted Iraq's vulnerability to the conflict's repercussions due to its heavy reliance on oil exports and economic ties with Iran.

He stated, "There is facilitation for some tankers carrying Iraqi oil in the Strait of Hormuz," without elaborating further.

According to Iran's state news agency, IRNA, Tehran had indeed granted special permission for Iraqi oil tankers to cross the waterway after persistent demands from Baghdad through various channels. Amidi emphasized that Iraq currently lacks its own tankers, making it challenging to transport oil. "We have a problem transporting oil due to the absence of a national tanker," he explained, underscoring the broader implications of the Strait's situation.

Amidi warned that Iraq would strive to avoid involvement in the war between Iran and the US, noting that Baghdad would be among the hardest-hit countries should the conflict intensify. He cautioned, "We will be among the countries most affected after Iran if the escalation continues, given the economic interdependence and our complete reliance on oil." On domestic security, Baghdad pledged not to utilize Iraqi territory for launching attacks on other nations, stating that such actions "have no justification."

Amidi reiterated Baghdad's commitment to bringing all weapons under state control, setting September 30 as a deadline for armed groups to hand over their weapons through an Iraqi-led process. However, he acknowledged that some Iran-backed factions were still resisting this move.