Iran turns to Iraq routes as Hormuz disruptions hit UAE trade, official says

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran is routing some of its trade through Iraq to bypass disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and the UAE's Jebel Ali corridor caused by a U.S. naval blockade that began on April 13, according to Yahya Ali Ishak, head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce. Ishak told Iran's Mehr news agency that around $12 billion in goods a year linked to the UAE and Jebel Ali flow through Iran's trade network, and that Iraq-based alternatives are being used to move existing cargo and new orders. He said Karachi, India and other transit points are also being considered. On bilateral trade, Ishak said official Iran-Iraq trade volume stood at about $12 billion last year and is expected to be around $9 billion this year excluding gas, due to a decline in Iranian gas exports. He added that oil shipments between the two countries are proceeding without major problems, and that any potential disruptions can be addressed on the Iraqi side. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the blockade has led forces to neutralize 9 vessels, redirect 135 ships and allow 42 humanitarian cargo vessels to pass since April 13.