Iran has begun allowing a number of Chinese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after reaching understandings with China regarding Iranian management protocols for the strategic waterway.
The Iranian news agency Fars News Agency quoted an informed Iranian source as saying: “The decision came as an initiative from the Islamic Republic of Iran, following communications and follow-ups conducted by the Chinese Foreign Minister and the Chinese ambassador in Tehran, with the aim of facilitating the passage of Chinese vessels based on the deep relations and strategic partnership between the two countries.”
The Iranian source added that both sides reached an understanding allowing the transit of a number of Chinese ships requested by Beijing, provided they comply with Iranian protocols governing the management of the waterway. The source noted that transit operations had already begun last night.
Fars News Agency stated that this step comes as part of Iran’s “organized and intelligent management” of the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions and developments related to navigation and energy in the region.
According to experts cited by the Iranian agency, Tehran’s reliance on internal protocols to regulate maritime traffic could undermine attempts to use the strait as an external political pressure tool, while also strengthening Iran’s position in managing one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.
Meanwhile, in the same context, the Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency revealed that 30 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz under the supervision of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from last night until this morning.