Pakistan and Iraq have struck separate energy agreements with Iran to secure the movement of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Strait of Hormuz, reported Reuters on Wednesday, as Iran is claiming "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The agreements underscore Tehran's increasing capacity to influence and selectively regulate energy traffic through the strategically vital waterway, a region responsible for nearly 20% of global oil and gas shipments.
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The report also stated that neither Iraq nor Pakistan has made direct payments to Iran or the The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for transit approvals.
Reports said Iraq arranged safe passage for two large oil tankers carrying about 2 million barrels each through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, after a secret deal with Iran. To protect its oil-dependent economy from regional tensions, Iraq is also asking Iran to approve more shipments to shield its oil-dependent economy from further disruption.
"Iraq is a close ally of Iran, and any deterioration in Iraq's economy would also damage Iran's economic interests in the country," Reuters quoted an Iraqi oil ministry official familiar with the negotiations.
Pakistan has reportedly reached an agreement with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Qatari LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, two LNG tankers bound for Pakistan are already en route after the deal was finalized.
Iran is reportedly tightening control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources, Tehran now requires detailed documents, including ownership details, cargo information, destinations, and shipping records.
Iraqi oil ministry teams are also coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure smooth passage, effectively allowing Iran to monitor and regulate energy flows in real time.
The report also quoted a Pakistani source involved in the talks with Tehran that the process remains unpredictable due to the direct involvement of the IRGC. “The IRGC sometimes changes the goalposts, so it is hard to keep things on track, but we are working through it.”
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