An oil tanker loaded with Iraqi crude has passed through the Strait of Hormuz near Iran’s coast, marking a significant development after Tehran eased transit restrictions for selected vessels. The move comes a day after Iran said Iraq would be exempt from limitations on using the strategic waterway, according to shipping data from LSEG and Kpler.
The tanker, Ocean Thunder, carried about one million barrels of Basrah Heavy crude, loaded on March 2, and is expected to discharge its cargo in Pengerang, Malaysia, by mid-April. Its successful transit highlights a cautious reopening of one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints amid ongoing regional tensions.
Shipping data showed that the Ocean Thunder was chartered by Petco, a unit of Malaysia’s state energy company, Petronas. The vessel is reportedly among seven ships linked to Malaysian interests that have been granted clearance by Iran to pass through the strait.
Sources familiar with the matter said the approval followed diplomatic engagement between Kuala Lumpur and Tehran. The individuals declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry and Petronas did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, said last month that Iran had agreed to allow Malaysian vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz following discussions with Iranian officials.
The country’s foreign minister later confirmed that seven ships associated with Malaysian companies were awaiting clearance. These included vessels linked to Petronas, Vantris Energy, and MISC Berhad.
The agreement reflects the importance of diplomatic channels in maintaining access to essential trade routes during periods of geopolitical strain.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most vital energy corridors in the world, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow passage can have immediate consequences for global energy markets.
Iran effectively restricted access to the strait in response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that began in late February, raising concerns about supply disruptions and increased shipping risks.
The ограничения forced shipping companies to reconsider routes and led to higher insurance costs for vessels operating in the region.
Iran later clarified that vessels without links to the United States or Israel would be allowed to pass through the waterway. In recent days, several ships have successfully navigated the strait under these conditions.
These include three tankers operated by Omani firms, a French-owned container ship, and a Japanese gas carrier. The inclusion of Malaysian-linked vessels suggests that Iran is adopting a selective approach to reopening the route.
Malaysia also said that its ships would be allowed to transit without paying tolls, even though Iran has indicated it may impose fees on vessels using the waterway.
For Malaysia, ensuring continued access to the Strait of Hormuz is essential for maintaining energy supply chains and supporting its refining and export infrastructure, particularly at the Pengerang hub.
The ability to move crude oil shipments without disruption helps stabilize domestic operations and reduces exposure to volatility in global markets.
At the same time, Iran’s control over access to the strait underscores its strategic leverage. By selectively allowing transit and potentially imposing fees, Tehran can influence both economic flows and diplomatic negotiations.
While the successful passage of the Ocean Thunder provides a positive signal for energy markets, uncertainty remains high. Access to the strait continues to depend on political alignments and evolving regional dynamics.
Analysts warn that any further escalation in tensions could once again disrupt traffic through the waterway, with significant implications for oil prices and global supply chains.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz tanker transit remains a key indicator of stability in the region. The gradual return of selected vessels suggests a limited easing of restrictions, but the broader situation remains fragile as geopolitical risks persist.
