Iran has begun allowing some Chinese ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz following an agreement with Beijing on protocols for managing this strategic waterway, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. This decision comes amid heightened regional tensions surrounding global energy trade.
According to a source cited by Fars, Tehran has agreed to facilitate the passage of several Chinese ships following requests from the Chinese Foreign Minister and the Chinese Ambassador to Iran. This measure is reportedly part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
The announcement comes as the American president Donald Trump, currently on an official visit to China, agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to the free flow of energy.
Since the start of the US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, Iranian authorities had severely restricted traffic in this vital maritime area. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint for global hydrocarbon trade, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas transiting through this route.
The situation worsened following the US blockade of Iranian ports, imposed just days after a ceasefire agreement reached in early April. This protracted crisis has heightened concerns in energy markets and among major powers dependent on supplies from the Middle East.
Iran's decision to allow certain Chinese ships to sail could be interpreted as a diplomatic gesture toward Beijing, a major economic partner of Tehran. It also underscores the growing role China could play in negotiations concerning maritime and energy security in the region.
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