The Iraqi government, following the increase in insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and the refusal by oil tanker owners to enter the Persian Gulf, has started a process to charter several vessels to transport this country’s crude oil to global markets. The Iraqi government spokesperson said that the program is being pursued through Iraq’s state-owned oil tanker company, and the Council of Ministers has also issued permission for its implementation. The names of the companies or potential owners of these tankers have not yet been announced, and negotiations for chartering the vessels