Iran has reportedly begun allowing Chinese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under a special arrangement linked to the countries’ growing strategic partnership.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, an “informed source” said the agreement was based on the “deep relations” between Tehran and Beijing as well as “an understanding about Iranian management protocols of the strait”.

The report comes as tensions remain high around the crucial shipping route, which handles a major share of global oil and gas supplies.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that around 30 vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s authorisation since Wednesday evening.

Shipping data reportedly showed several China-linked tankers, including the Yuan Hua Hu crude carrier, moving through the waterway on Wednesday.

Iranian media said the passage of Chinese ships was coordinated under Iran’s new “management protocols” for the strait.

The development highlights increasingly close ties between Iran and China amid ongoing tensions involving the United States and disruptions to global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil shipments under normal conditions.