Iraq seeks special status and arrangements for its oil exports that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the issue during talks in Baghdad with Iran’s parliament speaker. Middle East Eye reports that Iraq’s speaker of parliament, Haibat al-Halbousi, makes the request during meetings with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday, citing concerns about protecting export routes.
Both outlets link the proposal to growing regional tensions that affect shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. Iraq’s oil tankers use the strait as the main passage from its southern export terminals.
Middle East Eye adds that the statement from Halbousi’s office does not specify what “special status” would involve or whether Iran has agreed to consider it. Al-Monitor similarly describes the effort as part of an effort to keep oil flowing amid heightened attention on shipping through the waterway, but also does not provide details on any concrete deal or timeline.
