From what I read, I hope I remember this right, they allow up to 12 tankers a day through. Each pays some amount in crypto to Iran to pass. All the Russian Chinese and indian vessels pass, and a bunch of others have made agreementa. I know japan, Korea, Pakistan (?), Spain, phillipines.. I think they allow all Iraqi and oman vessels too. I think there are more
Also from what I read the japanese and Koreans were in a particularly desperate position and felt they had to make a deal fast
Yup, Iran is letting their buddies through.
They are not going to sweep up any mines they planted ever. It will have to be us or the Chinese since we are the only two nations with significant mine sweeping abilities. The UK or France might be able to do it over time but not like the two superpowers can. Make no mistake China is a blue water navy power now. They also have thousands of merchant militia ships armed and all over the world, the give zero Fs about maritime laws.