Iran includes Iraq in group of friendly countries for transit through Hormuz

Iran has approved transit through Hormuz for "friendly countries" China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with state television, according to a report by the Iranian news agency Tasnim.

"We have allowed countries that we have determined to be our friends to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. We have allowed China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to pass," Tasnim quotes the head of Iranian diplomacy as saying.

"There is no reason to allow enemies to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," Araghchi added.

Iraq is a major producer in the group of Iranian "friends" with transit permission. They rank second among the leading producers in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and exported 3.4 million barrels of oil per day before the war.

Tehran took control of the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Israeli attack on February 28, banning transit for ships associated with the United States, Israel, and their allies.