Iran suspends passage through the Strait of Hormuz
The weeks-long tension between the US and Iran has given way to hot war. The war in the region officially began this morning (February 28) with US-backed Israeli attacks.
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The region has effectively turned into a ring of fire with US-backed Israeli attacks on Iran. The Iranian press announced that the strait has been effectively closed with the suspension of passage for ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world's largest container shipping companies, announced that all ship transits have been suspended until further notice.
Iran has retaliated against Israel's bombardment. Iran also launched missile attacks on neighboring countries where US bases are located.
The latest move made by Iran within the scope of the war was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning, noting that there is "significant" military activity in the region.
MULTIPLE REPORTS RECEIVED REGARDING THE CLOSURE OF THE STRAIT
The warning stated that mariners should be aware of the potential for increased electronic interference and jamming, including disruptions to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and other navigation or communication systems.
UKMTO announced that it had received multiple reports regarding claims that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed in broadcasts made over the international calling channel, VHF Channel 16, by ships operating in the Persian Gulf.
WHY IS THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IMPORTANT?
The Strait of Hormuz connects oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production in the Middle East to world markets via the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
This passage, through which 20 percent of the world's daily oil consumption (approximately 20 million barrels) passes, is of great strategic importance.
The Strait of Hormuz delivers a significant amount of oil from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran, as well as all of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, to international markets.
A significant portion of the shipments carried out from here goes to Asian countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea.