Basra: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has halted the entry of ships heading towards Basra, as announced by the General Company for Iraqi Ports.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the company's Director General, Farhan al-Fartousi, emphasized that Iraqi ports remain secure and continue to operate normally, following the approved operational plans for each berth and terminal. Despite the halt in new entries, loading and unloading operations at the berths and storage yards continue.

During an inspection tour of Umm Qasr ports, al-Fartousi highlighted the direct impact of the Strait's closure on maritime traffic. Ships from outside the Gulf have stopped heading towards Basra, though ports are still handling vessels already within the area. Al-Fartousi noted that approximately ten commercial vessels and two oil tankers are in waiting areas, awaiting permission to sequentially enter for loading or unloading at North Umm Qasr, South Umm Qasr, and Khor al-Zubair ports.

Al-Fartousi affirmed ongoing coordination with the Iraqi security forces and navy to secure shipping lanes and territorial waters, explaining that naval units are deployed along waterways to ensure safe navigation. The federal government is directly monitoring port operations. Specialized teams have been dispatched by the company to support vessels in Iraqi territorial waters, whether awaiting unloading or unable to leave the Gulf due to current circumstances. These teams provide water, provisions, and fuel as needed.

Regarding supply chains, al-Fartousi explained the reliance on an interconnected network of shipping lines. Long-distance liners transport goods from Asian and European ports to key regional ports, such as Jebel Ali and Khalifa Port in the UAE, and ports in Oman. From there, feeder vessels transport containers and goods to Iraqi ports within the Gulf. This system remains operational, with plans to establish additional feeder lines to reduce costs for Iraqi traders and expedite transport.