Iran says Chinese ships passed through Hormuz overnight

"Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) on Thursday said that a number of Chinese ships were allowed passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the night before. The critical waterway, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments transited in peacetime, has largely been blockaded by Iran since US and Israeli attacks against it on February 28 triggered the current conflict."

"Iranian state television said "more than 30 ships" had been allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but did not specify how many of those ships were Chinese. "It was ultimately concluded that a number of Chinese ships requested by this country would pass through this area after an agreement on Iran's strait management protocols," the Guard said in a statement, adding that "this passage began last night.""

"An IRGC commander stressed vessels linked to "an enemy state" continued to be blocked from passing through the waterway, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The statement coincided with US President Donald Trump's visit to China, where rallying support against Iran is among his priorities."

"In comments to US broadcaster Fox News on Thursday and after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said that the Chinese leader had promised him to help with opening up the Strait of Hormuz and had vowed not to arm Iran."

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Chinese ships were granted passage through the Strait of Hormuz starting the night before. Iranian state television reported that more than 30 ships crossed the waterway, without specifying how many were Chinese. The Guard said a number of Chinese ships requested by China would pass after agreement on Iran’s strait management protocols. An IRGC commander said vessels linked to an “enemy state” remained blocked. The Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments in peacetime. Iran has largely blockaded the strait since US and Israeli attacks on February 28 triggered the current conflict. The timing coincided with Donald Trump’s state visit to China and his efforts to rally support against Iran.

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