Commercial shipping is once again facing difficulties due to tensions between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have instructed ships passing through the strait to follow the prescribed procedures and maintain contact with relevant authorities.
Arab media has reported, citing Iranian sources, that explosions were heard in the Strait of Hormuz and around Qeshm Island a few hours after US President Donald Trump rejected the Iranian proposal. Some reports also mentioned attacks with anti-ship missiles and drones; however, Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed these reports.
A commercial vessel has also been reported to have been hit by an unidentified projectile in the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. There were also reports of casualties.
Iranian authorities have instructed shipping companies to use a temporarily approved shipping route and pay a fixed fee. Iran says that action may be taken against ships passing through the unauthorised route. Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority recently warned that it will blacklist ships and charterers that attempt to pass through the strait without permission.
Tehran maintains that the full restoration of the Strait of Hormuz is conditional on the lifting of the US naval blockade, among other conditions. Washington, on the other hand, says its naval forces are helping oil tankers pass through safely. Both sides have been making different claims about the situation in the strait.
Iran proposed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week at the United Nations General Assembly last week. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, the offer was conditional on certain conditions, including the lifting of the US naval blockade, the recovery of frozen Iranian assets and a cessation of attacks on various fronts.
Araqchi said Tehran was sticking to its terms and would wait for a formal US response through Pakistan, Qatar and Oman. Talks between Iran and Oman on a temporary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz have already been ongoing.
Despite the recent diplomatic engagements, uncertainty remains over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a vital route for global energy supplies, and the ongoing tensions have already affected shipping traffic. The number of ships passing through the strait in September was significantly lower than usual on several occasions.
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