Tehran: Iran approved on Saturday the passage of ships carrying humanitarian and essential goods through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a letter by the Agriculture Ministry's trade development office, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.

According to Anadolu Agency, the directive, which is backed by the government and the armed forces, permits vessels carrying essential goods and livestock feed to pass through under designated protocols. This decision marks a significant shift in policy, as industry associations have already informed their member companies to proceed with sending cargo ships to southern Iranian ports following the removal of previous restrictions.

The approval comes in the wake of heightened regional tensions after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of over 1,340 individuals, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets. Amidst these developments, Iran had previously restricted the movement of ships through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.