Iran has announced a new position on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway in the Persian Gulf. The country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that ships from the United States, Israel and their allies will not be able to use the strait. However, there will be no obstacles to the movement of ships from other countries.
IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Qomars Heydari made the announcement in a statement to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, saying the sanctions were imposed on ships from countries that are involved in or allied with the US and Israel’s military operations.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, is one of the most important sea lanes for international energy trade. About one-fifth of global oil and liquefied gas transport passes through this route. Most of the exports from Middle Eastern oil-producing countries reach international markets using this route.
Iran began issuing warnings to ships traveling through the waterway after the conflict with the United States and Israel began on February 28. Several oil tankers have been attacked since then, according to various reports.
According to analysts, uncertainty over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz could have a major impact on global energy markets.