Khaberni - The spokesperson for the Iranian military headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya, Ibrahim Dhulfiqar, announced on Saturday that Iraq is exempted from the restrictions imposed in the Strait of Hormuz.
Dhulfiqar said in a recorded speech broadcasted by Iranian media, "Brother Iraq is exempted from any restrictions we have imposed in the Strait of Hormuz, as these restrictions only apply to hostile states," indicating that his country "holds great respect for Iraqi sovereignty."
He added that the current developments "could provide Iraq a historic opportunity to end the imposed American presence on its territory and achieve sustainable security."
Dhulfiqar appreciated the positions of Iraqi forces, factions, religious figures, and tribal personalities towards Iran.
Recent U.S. intelligence reports have suggested that Iran is likely to continue closing the Strait of Hormuz, and not reopen it anytime soon, explaining that Tehran’s control over this vital global artery offers it the only real leverage over the United States.
About 20% of the global oil and liquefied gas supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and its closure to most ships has led to a sharp rise in energy prices and supply chain disruptions.
According to Reuters, U.S. intelligence reports mean that Tehran might continue to close the Strait of Hormuz to keep energy prices high, thereby pressuring U.S. President Donald Trump to quickly end the ongoing war for about 5 weeks.
