Fars Agency: Chinese ships start crossing Strait Hormuz since last night

The Iranian "Fars" news agency reported Thursday that a number of Chinese ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz after complying with the Iranian protocol for managing the strait. The agency quoted an informed source as saying, "By a decision of the Islamic Republic, the passage of a number of Chinese ships through the Strait of Hormuz was enabled while adhering to the Iranian protocol for managing the strait." The source added that "following follow-ups by China's Foreign Minister and its ambassador to Iran, the passage of Chinese ships was facilitated based on deep relations and strategic partnership, and finally it was agreed on the passage of a number of Chinese ships requested by Beijing after understanding the Iranian protocols, and this passage began since last night." According to "Fars", "experts saw that this step, based on Iranian internal protocols, thwarts any political exploitation of the strait's capabilities to exert external pressure, and enhances Tehran's position in the smart management of this vital corridor."