Iraq announces resumption of oil exports in the coming days

The Iraqi Oil Ministry announced that oil exports from all fields in the country will resume over the next few days. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on April 18.

"Four sources in the energy sector reported that Iraq has resumed oil exports from the south of the country after a pause of more than a month caused by disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," the agency reports.

Iraq significantly reduced oil production, by up to 60%, in March 2026 due to the war in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Exports via key routes were suspended due to the inability to safely transport fuel.

Naval bravado: Europe creates a mission to clear the Strait of Hormuz

Iran, meanwhile, announced the partial opening of a key maritime artery for commercial shipping during the truce period.

On April 18, Ebrahim Zolfagari, a representative of the central headquarters of the Iranian military command Khatam al-Anbiya, said that the Iranian Armed Forces had restored military control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the blockade by the United States. Also on the eve of the official representative of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmail Bagai, said that Iran would take retaliatory measures if the United States did not lift the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump said that the naval blockade of Iran's ports remains in place, despite the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, until Washington's deal with Tehran is 100% completed.