First Iraqi Tanker Passes Through Hormuz Under Tehran’s Exemptions

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 18:02 IST

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important sea routes in the world, carrying a large share of global oil.

Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global shipping, an oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude has crossed the strait using a new sea lane near Larak Island in Iranian waters.

The vessel, Ocean Thunder Suezmax, is carrying around one million barrels of crude oil. It has earlier transported Russian crude as well, showing its role in different global supply chains. Its latest journey highlights that oil movement continues through this sensitive route despite tensions.

This comes at a time when ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is increasing. Data shared by Milk Road Macro, a website offering deep-dive reports, shows that about 15 ships passed through the route in the last 24 hours, suggesting a recovery after lower activity in late March.

Over the past two weeks, the number of ships using the route has gradually increased. Between March 20 and March 27, daily traffic was low, with only one to five ships passing each day. However, from March 28 onwards, the numbers rose, with most days seeing more than 10 ships. The highest was 18 ships on April 3, followed by 15 on April 4.

Recent movements include ships from several countries, such as a French vessel and a Japanese ship. Some oil tankers have also reached ports in India. This indicates that even with tensions in the region, major trade and energy routes are still working.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important sea routes in the world, carrying a large share of global oil. Any changes in routes, especially those passing through Iranian waters, are being closely watched by governments and industry experts.

Iran has explicitly exempted Iraq from its Strait of Hormuz restrictions, allowing Iraqi oil shipments to pass even as broader curbs remain in place for Western-linked vessels.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the strait remains open for “non-hostile" countries, adding that vessels can pass through Iranian waters if there is prior coordination with Tehran.

Backing this, Iran’s military also underlined that the restrictions are targeted only at what it calls “enemy nations".

News world First Iraqi Tanker Passes Through Hormuz Under Tehran’s Exemptions

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