Iran Grants Iraqi Oil Tankers Passage Through Hormuz Amid Export Talks
Main Developments in Iran-Iraq Oil Export Relations
Iran Permits Iraqi Oil Tankers Passage
Aug 22 (Reuters) - Iran has granted permission for a number of Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following repeated requests from Baghdad through various channels, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday.
Diplomatic Efforts and High-Level Visits
IRNA said obtaining special permission for Iraqi tankers was one of Baghdad’s main requests during Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s visit to Iraq.
Statements from Iraqi Officials
Iraqi President’s Remarks
Iraqi President Nizar Amedi said on Saturday that Iran had facilitated the passage of vessels carrying Iraqi oil through the Strait in recent days and Baghdad had discussed the export of Iraqi oil through Hormuz with Iranian officials.
Complexities in Oil Export Negotiations
The issue remained complicated, he added, speaking at the Baghdad Dialogue policy conference.
Impact on Iraq’s Oil Export Strategy
Consequences of Strait Closures
Iraq has been among the countries most affected by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic in the strait remains significantly below pre-war levels and ships continue to face attacks in the area.
Pre-War Oil Production Levels
Iraq produced around 4 million barrels of oil per day before the outbreak of the Iran war.
Alternative Export Routes
Baghdad is working to expand its exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port and also to begin exporting oil through Syria's Baniyas port and Jordan's Aqaba port, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Friday.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Eman Abouhassira in Dubai and Muayad Hameed in Baghdad; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Alexandra Hudson)
