Overview
- Iran’s parliament security chief Ebrahim Azizi said Saturday that Tehran has prepared a designated-route system for Hormuz traffic that will charge fees and exclude operators tied to the U.S.-led Project Freedom escort effort.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said the waterway is open to all except vessels from countries “at war” with Iran, and he asserted there are no international waters inside the strait.
- Iranian state TV reported that European countries have opened talks with the Revolutionary Guards navy for transit permission, after dozens of China-linked ships moved under new management protocols.
- Following Thursday’s joint statement by 26 nations backing free navigation and mine-clearance plans, the U.K. and France readied a multinational mission as Washington and Beijing both urged reopening.
- Iraq’s oil minister said April exports via Hormuz collapsed to 10 million barrels from about 93 million before the conflict, while market reports warned inventories are being drained and fuel prices are climbing.