Iran exempts Iraq from Hormuz Strait transit restrictions

TEHRAN – 4 April 2026: Iran has said Iraq will not be subject to any restrictions on movement through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media reports on Saturday.

The move gives Baghdad special consideration as Tehran increases its control over the key shipping route, which used to carry roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil before the US-Israeli war on Iran.

“Brotherly Iraq is exempt from any restrictions that we have applied on the Strait of Hormuz,” said Iran’s military spokesperson in a video statement posted by state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran has effectively shut down ‌the ⁠strait in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, now in their fifth week, causing energy prices to soar worldwide.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the strait or “hell will reign down on them.”