Iran Permits Iraqi Oil Tankers Through Hormuz Strait

Iran’s state news agency reported on Saturday that Tehran has permitted several Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz after repeated requests from Baghdad. The decision, announced amid heightened regional tensions, aims to facilitate Iraq’s oil exports while underscoring Iran’s willingness to cooperate with its neighbor on maritime navigation issues.

At the same time, the United States and Iran have exchanged defiant statements ahead of a scheduled Monday announcement of new U.S. economic sanctions targeting Tehran. Both sides have signaled firm positions, with Washington preparing to impose additional measures and Tehran rejecting what it calls unwarranted pressure. The developments are being closely tracked in a liveblog that provides ongoing updates on the diplomatic and economic fallout.