Baghdad and Tehran appear to have reached an agreement allowing Iraqi oil shipments to resume transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to statements attributed to Iraqi and Iranian officials on Monday.
The reported arrangement would grant Iraqi tankers a form of exemption from restrictions Iran has imposed on maritime traffic in the strait amid heightened regional tensions. While full details of the deal have not been independently confirmed, early indications suggest it could mark a significant development in the geopolitics of global energy flows.
Iraq’s state-owned oil marketing company, SOMO, has informed traders and refiners that crude exports can resume, stating that tankers are now able to pass safely through the waterway. The company also indicated that loading operations at Iraqi oil terminals—some of which had been affected by recent attacks—are back to full capacity.
An Iranian military spokesperson, cited in regional reporting, described Iraq as a “brotherly” nation and said it would be exempt from any restrictions currently affecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not publicly outlined the precise scope or duration of these measures.
A "Brotherly" Exemption: Iran and Iraq Reach Historic Deal to Reopen Hormuz for Baghdad’s Crude
An unprecedented, and potentially historical agreement seems reached between Iraq and Iran over granting safe passage to Iraqi tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
🧵 pic.twitter.com/STjEFHLSbo— Francesco Sassi (@Frank_Stones) April 6, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a substantial share of global oil exports passing through it. Any disruption has immediate implications for international markets. In recent weeks, tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel have raised concerns about the security of maritime routes in the Gulf.
Iraq had reportedly reduced oil production significantly during the disruption, in part due to limited storage capacity as exports slowed. A resumption of tanker traffic could help stabilize the country’s output and revenues, which are heavily dependent on energy exports.
Analysts note that, if confirmed, the agreement could have broader implications beyond Iraq’s immediate economic recovery. It may signal a shift toward more selective access to key trade routes, influenced by regional political alignments and security considerations.
Such a development could also affect how energy markets respond to geopolitical risk, particularly if access to critical infrastructure like the Strait of Hormuz becomes increasingly subject to bilateral arrangements rather than broadly accepted norms of free navigation.
Officials in both countries have yet to release a comprehensive joint statement, and the longer-term impact of the reported deal remains uncertain.