With theStrait of Hormuzshut amid escalating tensions, uncertainty is mounting over the fate of commercial vessels stranded across the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, and about 20-25 per cent of the world's total oil passes through it. However, hundreds of vessels have been stranded in the region since the beginning of the US-Israel-Iran war on February 28.
Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israeli joint strikes on the country, with only letting vessels from "friendly" nations pass. As the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon appeared on hold, Iran on Friday announced that it will open the waterway for all commercial vessels. However, it again closed the waterway on Saturday, in retaliation to the US naval blockade.
The strait is closed until the US blockade is lifted, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy said on Saturday night. It warned that "no vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, and approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered as cooperation with the enemy" and be targeted.
Vessels trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz have reversed course, reported AP, citing MarineTraffic shipping tracker.
Kpler, a maritime data firm, said 19 vessels had passed through the strait on Friday after Iran and the US announced the reopening of the strait late last week as part of understanding between the two governments.
But on Saturday, US Central Command said it had sent 23 ships back to Iran since its blockade began, and at least three vessels were attacked by Iran Saturday while attempting to cross the strait, bringing shipping to a standstill again and further straining the global energy market.
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The Iranian fire hit two India-flagged merchant ships, prompting New Delhi to summon the Iranian envoy. Revolutionary Guard gunboats opened fire on a tanker and an unknown projectile hit a container vessel, damaging some containers, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said on Saturday, as reported by AP.
For Iran, the strait's closure — imposed after the US and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28 during talks over Tehran's nuclear program — is perhaps its most powerful weapon, threatening the world economy and inflicting political pain on President Donald Trump. For the United States, the blockade keeps up pressure and could strangle Iran's already weakened economy.
The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is due to run out by Wednesday. A long-term agreement is yet to be finalised by the two sides. The representatives from the US and Iran are scheduled to meet in Pakistan on Monday. However, there is no clarity on whether a breakthrough can be achieved before the deadline, with key sticking points still unresolved, including the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
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