- Reports of gunfire on vessels raise concerns over safety of oil tankers and crew
Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
The conflict in the Middle East shows no signs of easing, as fresh tensions have emerged in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has once again restricted movement through the crucial maritime route, reimposing military control on Saturday. Reports have also surfaced of gunfire targeting at least two vessels in the area.
The development comes at a time when the global community had hoped the vital shipping lane would reopen. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reinstated strict control over the strait.
According to an IRGC spokesperson, Ibrahim Zolfaghari stated that full control over the Strait of Hormuz has been restored. He warned that the route would remain closed until the United States lifts restrictions imposed on Iranian vessels.
Adding to this, Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee, announced that all commercial ships passing through the strait must now obtain permission from the IRGC Navy.
Meanwhile, international energy agencies have described the situation as one of the most severe threats to global oil supply in history. Citing reports from the AP, at least two ships came under fire while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious concerns about the safety of oil tankers and their crews.
Following earlier indications that the route might reopen, several ships had attempted to pass through the strait. However, many were forced to turn back after discovering that the passage was not fully operational.
Iran has accused the United States of enforcing an unlawful blockade, calling it an act of “maritime piracy.” Tehran claims that Washington is preventing Iranian ships from moving freely, while Iran, in turn, has begun restricting the movement of vessels from other countries.