Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said around 30 ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Tehran’s permission since Wednesday evening, signalling a limited easing of restrictions on one of the world’s most important energy routes. Iranian media reported that several Chinese vessels were among those allowed through after what officials described as close coordination between Beijing and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of the widening Middle East conflict since Iran effectively imposed control over the waterway following the outbreak of war on February 28. Tehran warned commercial vessels they would require Iranian approval to transit the narrow passage, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply once moved.
