The oil route is closed again
The Strait of Hormuz once again became a conflict zone this Saturday. Iran reversed its reopening and fired on several ships that tried to pass. All this in retaliation because the United States maintained its blockade of Iranian ports.
The Revolutionary Guard navy was clear: “No vessel should make any movement from its anchorage in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman.” And he added a chilling warning: “Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy.”
A twist that no one expected
The most surprising thing is that this occurs just a day after Iran announced the reopening. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had declared the strait open. It coincided with a truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
But Washington did not move. Donald Trump affirmed that the blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches an agreement. US forces have already sent 23 ships back to Iran since this blockade began.
“The Americans risk the international community, they risk the global economy through these, we could say, miscalculations,” Iranian Deputy Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told The Associated Press.
The situation is serious because approximately a fifth of the world’s oil passes through this strait. Each closure worsens the energy crisis that is already shaking the global economy.
Two Iranian gunboats opened fire on an oil tanker. An unknown projectile hit a container ship, damaging part of the cargo. India has already summoned Iran’s ambassador for shooting at two merchant ships flying its flag.
Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued defiant statements, saying the navy is “ready to inflict bitter defeats on its enemies.” He has not been seen in public since taking office after his father’s death.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is trying to mediate. His Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said they are working to “build bridges” between differences. A second round of negotiations is expected early next week.
But time is ticking: the current fragile ceasefire expires this Wednesday. And meanwhile, oil prices are rising again after the brief respite.
