Iran Grants Iraqi Ships Free Passage Through Blocked Strait of Hormuz

In a significant development, Iran has announced that Iraqi ships will face no restrictions in transiting the critical Strait of Hormuz, a rare exemption amid Tehran’s blockade of the world’s most vital energy chokepoint. Military officials framed the move as respect for Iraq’s sovereignty and solidarity against U.S. influence in the region, even as maritime traffic remains heavily constrained for most other countries. This comes as the strait, which facilitates nearly 20% of global oil and gas