Iran announced on Saturday that Iraq will be exempted from restrictions imposed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Anadolu Agency.
The exemption was confirmed by Ibrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, who said the restrictions would continue to apply to ships from the United States, Israel and nations supporting them.
Zolfaqari added that the move could create an opportunity to end the presence of US forces in Iraq, expressing confidence that both Iran and Iraq would prevail together in what he described as a conflict against the US and Israel.
On March 2, Iran announced navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel attempting to pass through the vital shipping route without prior coordination could be targeted.
Before the restrictions, approximately 20 million barrels of oil were transported through the strait daily, making it one of the most critical energy corridors in the world.
The measures have since driven up shipping and insurance costs, contributing to rising global oil prices and heightening concerns over the broader economic impact.
Tensions escalated further following airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, which reportedly resulted in more than 1,300 deaths, including senior Iranian leadership figures.
In response, Iran carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf states hosting US military assets, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage and continued disruption to global markets and aviation sectors.
