Maritime traffic gridlocked in the Strait of Hormuz

Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has come to a standstill after Iran opened fire on commercial vessels and seized two ships. There is growing concern over the escalation of tensions in the region, where the conflict, now in its eighth week, has entered a new phase.

Iran announced on Thursday that it had intervened in and seized at least two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident has led to an almost complete halt in traffic in the vital strategic waterway, where at least 10 ships previously passed through daily.

In the morning hours, it was determined that only the bulk carrier named LB Energy was in motion in the region. It was reported that the tanker named Ocean Jewel changed its route and began waiting after being threatened by Iranian security forces. In recent hours, Iranian forces also raided the ships named MSC Francesca and Epaminondas.

It was stated that the Greece-based ship named Ascanio passed through on Wednesday night after dropping off food aid in the region. Iran's increased control attempts in recent days, in response to the naval blockade imposed by the US, have caused concern among shipowners, particularly in the Persian Gulf.

Iranian officials stated that the operations were a retaliation against the blockade initiated by the Washington administration. Since April 13, US forces have stopped and turned back 31 ships, mostly oil tankers, from the region. Although it was reported that some commercial vessels managed to proceed, the US announced that it had seized some of them.

Currently, two giant Iranian tankers are anchored and waiting at the port of Chabahar. Another cargo ship was noted to be under the surveillance of a US warship.

News Source: 12punto