........ Iran is negotiating with eight countries to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz on the condition that oil is traded in Chinese yuan, CNN reported on the 17th. Following reports that these countries are considering a plan to permit ships from nations trading oil in yuan to pass through the strait, they are said to have contacted Iran to seek an agreement.

CNN cited an Iranian security source on the same day, reporting, “Tehran is in discussions with eight countries outside the Middle East to grant safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to tankers carrying oil traded in Chinese yuan.”       .......