Iran allowed a group of Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz beginning Wednesday evening, Iranian media reported Thursday. The passage follows an understanding between Tehran and Beijing on Iranian management protocols. Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28.

Why is Iran allowing Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran agreed to allow Chinese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after Beijing requested passage and both sides reached an understanding on Iranian management protocols. The decision was announced by Tasnim news agency and confirmed by Fars. The move comes as US President Donald Trump visited China and met President Xi Jinping on Thursday for talks that included the Iran war.

How many ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz?

Iranian state television reported that more than 30 ships had been permitted to transit since Wednesday evening, though it was not clear whether all were Chinese vessels. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy told state television that around 30 vessels had crossed with Iranian authorization. For other commercial vessels, passage through the strait remains blocked, according to earlier IRGC statements.

What is the Strait of Hormuz and why does it matter?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. In peacetime, it carries roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, along with other key commodities. Iran’s control over the strait since February has rattled global markets and given Tehran significant leverage in the broader conflict.

What did Trump and Xi discuss about the Strait of Hormuz?

Trump and Xi met in China on Thursday for talks that covered the Iran conflict, with both leaders agreeing the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, according to CBS News. The timing of the Chinese vessel passage and the Trump-Xi summit has drawn attention, though Iranian media framed the decision as stemming from a bilateral understanding with Beijing. The United States has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports since the conflict began.