The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a UN agency, paused the evacuation of ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision was made after the British military reported that a ship was hit by a shell off the coast of Oman.
The Secretary General of the IMO, Arsenio Domínguez, explained that the plan will be suspended until security guarantees are confirmed. The attacked ship was not part of the evacuation effort.
Warnings from Iran and new routes
Hours before the attack, Iran threatened to prohibit passage through the strait without permission from Tehran. The new Persian Gulf Strait Authority, created by the Iranian government, warned in X that transit outside its designated routes “will not be covered by the guarantee of safe passage.”
The United Kingdom’s Maritime Trade Operations center indicated that the ship suffered damage, but with no casualties or environmental impact.
Opening an alternative passage would ease pressure on the global economy and reduce Iran’s influence in peace negotiations. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, assured during a visit to the Persian Gulf that Washington is committed to the new route.
“If that stops, then we’re going to have a problem,” Rubio said.
The price of oil briefly fell below $73 a barrel, a sign that the market is seeing improvement.
Negotiations and regional tensions
The United States and Iran are discussing the terms of a provisional peace agreement, with a period of 60 days to define details such as the passage of ships and the future of Iranian enriched uranium.
Meanwhile, the escalation of fighting in Lebanon threatens the truce. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported five deaths from Israeli attacks in the last two days. Hezbollah called the actions violations of the ceasefire, but has not responded.
The Israeli army confirmed the death of a reservist soldier and another wounded in southern Lebanon.
Maritime transit in figures
Despite the incident, more ships are crossing the strait, although far below pre-war levels. Shipping company Maersk managed to remove its container ship Maersk Baltimore and another ship on Thursday.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, 125 vessels crossed last week, up from 33 the week before. S&P Global reported 78 transits on Wednesday, the highest number since the conflict began, but still far from the daily average of 130.
Iran considers the new route “unacceptable and completely dangerous.” The naval arm of the Revolutionary Guard warned that “action will be taken against violators.” On Wednesday, they threatened an oil tanker by radio: “they are within range of my missiles,” according to the security firm Ambrey.
Rubio met with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers to ensure their interests will be protected. Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani said the deal brings hope, but it is “critical that Iran fulfills its obligations.”
