Al-Araji Denies Iraq Pays Iran for Strait of Hormuz Passage; Chinese Tanker Loads Crude at Basra

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji denied reports that Baghdad pays Tehran fees for the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran has exempted Iraq from such transit procedures. A Chinese oil tanker loaded approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil at Basra ports, completing loading operations for the Iraq Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) before departing for its designated destination. The clarification follows U.S. forces previously blocking ships carrying Iraqi oil from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, citing unpaid transit fees to Iran. The U.S. Navy reported directing 129 commercial vessels in the region, stopping 6 vessels, and granting passage to 36 humanitarian aid ships.