Iran lets 30 ships, including Chinese, through strait
By: Newsmax Wire via MSN
Iran has now institutionalized its control over the Strait of Hormuz into a maritime bureaucracy. That bureaucracy has begun using control over the Strait the same way the US uses sanctions. Essentially Iran is creating an oil-based sanction protocol against the United States and its allies in the region and around the world.
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
May 17, 2026 -- Iran allowed approximately 30 ships — including several Chinese-linked vessels — to pass through the Strait of Hormuz overnight Thursday into Friday under what Tehran described as “Iranian-managed transit protocols,” according to Iranian state-linked media and statements from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The move signaled a limited easing of Iran’s tight control over one of the world’s most strategically important waterways while also underscoring Tehran’s growing coordination with Beijing as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy markets.
Iranian officials said the transits were conducted in “close coordination” with China and under security procedures established by Tehran after Iran effectively asserted control over the Strait following the outbreak of war earlier this year.
State-affiliated Tasnim news agency reported that the arrangement reflected the “strategic partnership” between Tehran and Beijing, while Iranian military officials emphasized that access to the narrow shipping lane remains contingent on Iranian approval.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, historically handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Since the start of hostilities, Iran has repeatedly warned that commercial traffic would require authorization from Iranian authorities.
A commander with the IRGC reportedly said vessels tied to what Iran considers “hostile states” remain barred from passage, indicating Tehran is continuing to use the waterway as leverage against the United States and its allies.
The selective reopening has also intensified scrutiny over reports that Iran may be profiting directly from the restricted transit system.
Previous reports have indicated Tehran could be collecting as much as $2 million per vessel for guaranteed safe passage through the Strait, though Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed any toll arrangement.
The latest developments further highlight Washington’s inability to restore completely free navigation through the critical maritime corridor despite repeated U.S. military deployments and international calls for unrestricted access.
The U.S. Navy has maintained a heightened presence in the region, but Iran’s de facto control over passage approvals has remained largely intact.
Analysts say the situation represents a major strategic victory for Tehran, which has managed to impose operational authority over a chokepoint central to global energy supplies.
The issue emerged during talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week, where reopening the Strait reportedly became a major topic of discussion.
According to the White House, both leaders agreed the waterway should remain open for global energy shipments. Trump later said Xi offered Beijing’s assistance in helping stabilize the region and reopen commercial transit routes.
Speaking after the meeting, Trump said Xi assured him China would not provide military assistance to Iran.
“He said he’s not going to give military equipment … he said that strongly,” Trump told Fox News. Trump added that Xi also told him, “If I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.”
Meanwhile, the broader regional cease-fire remains fragile.
The United States has been attempting to preserve a temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon ahead of its scheduled expiration Sunday.
Israeli and Lebanese officials met in Washington this week in an effort to prevent a broader escalation, even as fighting continued along the border.
Israel said it launched strikes against more than 65 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon on Thursday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack against Israeli forces in northern Israel.
The continuing violence has raised concerns that the cease-fire could collapse entirely, threatening to further destabilize the region and complicate efforts to restore normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz.
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President Trump is the aggressor in this war. Trump attacked Iran. Trump is making demands that violate international treaties.
Now President Trump has few options remaining. The maximum pressure military operation didn't achieve the desired results. And nuclear threats do not seem to be intimidating the Iranians. Trump has painted himself into the corner of having to invade and occupy Iran with boots on the ground.
In this case, poor planning really is a problem for all of us.
Just a reminder for Iran, China, Russia & North Korea:
Don't call him. He might just do it!
How about that, the moron nuked Iran's bff Ireland.
Do what? Blow up the world? Is that what you want Vic?
Some people are blood thirsty
These folk are fucking psycho bigots gleeful that they have their rightwing white conservative Christian fingers on the nuke button. Why would anyone allow delusional religious zealots, who believe even if there was a nuclear war their God would save just them, to be in control of weapons that could destroy all life on the planet. These religious fuckers believe they're immune to any consequence because they have their imaginary Gods backing and that is simply a recipe for extinction.
Well that;s just stupid thinking. They never took a real science class like chemistry or physics if they think that
Most did but were being warned at home not to believe in all that science mumbo jumbo, Jesus made them and that's all they need to know. Many rightwing conservative Christian parents consider it a badge of honor to have their kid getting D's and F's in science. In their minds, the (S) in science is for Satan.
The article does not make it clear and online information is not clear either.
For the 30 ships that Iran has allowed to pass thru the striate, were those ships going to Iranian ports or other countries in the gulf? It's my understanding that the blockade is only on ships attempting to travel to or from an Iranian port but not the ports of other countries there.