Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a new level over the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterways in the Persian Gulf. For the third day in a row, one of the world’s most important waterways have almost become empty, creating uncertainty in global energy supplies and trade.
According to the international ship-tracking platform MarineTraffic, only three ships have been spotted entering the Persian Gulf in recent hours. Two of the oil tankers were empty, indicating a risk of the situation.
According to the same source, a cargo tanker named ‘Nova Crest’ left the bay in the early hours of Monday. The Turkish-owned ship began its journey from a port in Iraq earlier this month. The UK and the European Union have been banned from the ship for alleged Russian oil transport.
At least thirteen ships were forced to return mid-way after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the maritime intelligence agency Windward said.
According to the deterioration of the situation, a container ship was shot on the same day and two more ships were reported to have been attacked. As a result, no tankers were operating through the system throughout the day on Sunday. However, experts have warned that not all ships are allowed to show their location for safety reasons.
According to shipping advisory , the ships are advised to cancel their journeys and return to safer places as they are threatened with VHF radio. Several commercial vessels have been accused of ordering the Iranian navy not to advance.
The recent military action is at the center of tension. On Sunday, the United States seized an Iranian cargo ship, which was trying to violate U.S. naval sanctions, according to Washington’s claim. The ship was shot and seized after being ignored.
Iran has been accused of carrying out a drone strike on a U.S. military ship in the Gulf of Oman. The move has further fueled the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and raised fears of possible conflict.
According to analysts, the stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz could have a major impact on the global energy market, as a large part of the world’s oil exports are carried out in this direction.