Iran Permits Chinese Ships to Transit Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.-China Talks

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has permitted Chinese ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's new 'management protocol.' According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, 30 ships have passed through the strait since Wednesday night under IRGC Navy supervision.

This development coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China, where discussions included rallying support against Iran. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping had committed to assisting in reopening the Strait of Hormuz and pledged not to arm Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, has faced disruptions since the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Iran has since imposed new transit protocols, requiring coordination with Iranian authorities and the payment of fees, which some international law experts argue violates the right of transit passage.

Meanwhile, the U.S. claims its blockade on Iranian ports has halted Iran's oil production. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that there have been no loadings at Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil exports, in the past three days, suggesting that Iran's storage is full and that no ships are entering or leaving.

The situation has led to economic repercussions in Iran, with the local currency reaching a record low and consumer prices nearly doubling since the conflict began.