Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said around 30 ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Tehran’s permission since Wednesday evening, signalling a limited easing of restrictions on one of the world’s most important energy routes. Iranian media reported that several Chinese vessels were among those allowed through after what officials described as close coordination between Beijing and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of the widening Middle East conflict since Iran effectively imposed control over the waterway following the outbreak of war on February 28. Tehran warned commercial vessels they would require Iranian approval to transit the narrow passage, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply once moved.
A commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said ships linked to what Tehran considers “enemy states” were still prohibited from passing through the Strait. The comments, carried by Iran’s Fars news agency, suggested that Iran was continuing to use the waterway as leverage in its confrontation with the United States and Israel.
The development came as US President Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where reopening the Strait emerged as a key issue. According to the White House, both leaders agreed that the strategic shipping lane should remain open for global energy deliveries.
Chinese ships allowed through
Iranian state-linked media said Chinese vessels were granted passage following intensive diplomatic efforts and under “Iranian-managed transit protocols”. Tasnim news agency, which is closely linked to the IRGC, said the agreement reflected the strategic partnership between China and Iran.
Trump later revealed that Xi had offered Beijing’s assistance in helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity after the meeting, Trump said Xi had assured him that China would not provide military equipment to Iran.
“He said he's not going to give military equipment… he said that strongly,” Trump said. He added that Xi had also told him: “If I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.”
The reopening of limited shipping activity comes amid growing fears over the economic fallout of the conflict. The International Monetary Fund warned that prolonged disruption linked to the Iran war could push the global economy towards an “adverse” scenario, with slower growth, higher inflation and tighter financial conditions.
Lebanon ceasefire under pressure
Meanwhile, the United States sought to extend a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon ahead of its scheduled expiry on Sunday. Israeli and Lebanese officials met in Washington for talks aimed at preserving the truce, despite renewed violence on the ground.
Israel said it carried out strikes against more than 65 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon on Thursday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting Israeli troops in northern Israel. Lebanese authorities said Israeli strikes since March had killed more than 2,800 people, including at least 200 children.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also accused the United Arab Emirates of playing an “active role” in the US-Israeli campaign against Tehran during remarks delivered at the BRICS summit in India.
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