Iraq thanks Iran for allowing Iraqi oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has thanked Iran for facilitating and allowing Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid the Islamic Republic’s restrictions on the critical conduit for global energy supplies.

In a meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Baghdad Mohammad Kazem Al-e Sadeq on Sunday, Hussein emphasized the need to continue bilateral cooperation and find a way to end the war in the region.

He said the continuation of close cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad would serve the shared interests of both sides.

The top Iraqi diplomat added that his country’s policy is based on avoiding war and working toward ending conflicts, emphasizing that Baghdad consistently supports the settlement of issues through peaceful channels.

Hussein added that the region needs an approach based on open and rational dialogue which can pave the way for stronger cooperation among regional countries and help achieve lasting stability.

Following the launch of attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, the Islamic Republic moved to take full control of transit through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, causing international energy and commodity prices to rise to levels not seen in years.

Iranian authorities have indicated that the world's vital energy lifeline, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil passed before the war, remains open to everyone except to ships tied to the US, Israel and their allies.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a statement on Saturday that Iraq will be exempt from all restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and the country’s ships are free to pass the waterway.

It added that Iran holds profound respect for Iraq’s national sovereignty, noting that the Iraqi nation bears the scars of American occupation and its struggle against the US is worthy of praise and admiration.

Iran’s announcement came as US President Donald Trump reiterated his demands for Tehran to make a deal or relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, warning in a social media post that “all hell” would rain down within 48 hours otherwise.

On Sunday, Trump renewed his threat to unleash “hell” on Iran if it continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, saying the US will destroy the country’s power plants and bridges.

In a stern warning to the United States and the Israeli regime on Saturday, Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said any attack on the Islamic Republic’s infrastructure would open the "gates of hell" on the aggressors.

"The aggressive and warmongering US president, after suffering repeated defeats, has, in a desperate, nervous, unbalanced, and foolish move, threatened our country’s infrastructure and national assets,” he added.

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