Iraq has asked Iran to grant “special status” to Iraqi oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, as disruptions to shipping through the strategic waterway continue to affect regional energy flows.
The request was made by Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in Baghdad on Wednesday, according to Iraq’s state news agency.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly one-fifth of global crude oil supplies normally passing through the waterway. Traffic has fallen to minimal levels since the outbreak of the war in February.
Halbousi called on Tehran to provide special treatment for Iraqi oil shipments using the strait, highlighting the importance of protecting Iraq’s energy exports amid the ongoing disruption.
Ghalibaf, who was visiting Baghdad, said the trip would help strengthen the “internal and common security” of Iraq and Iran.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian state media quoted Ghalibaf as describing the relationship between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples as “unbreakable.”
He also called for deeper relations and stronger security ties among Islamic countries in the region, arguing that closer cooperation could help promote sustainable economic ties.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for this,” Ghalibaf said.
The Iraqi request comes as regional tensions continue to place pressure on one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, raising concerns over the security and reliability of oil exports from Gulf producers.
