The Joint Maritime Information Center, led by the U.S., has issued a warning to merchant vessels about the heightened risk of 'deliberate hostile action' by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. This warning comes after Iran's recent attacks on tankers, including an incident involving Qatar's LNG tanker, Al-Rekayyat.
Despite an interim deal with the U.S. that was supposed to ensure safe passage for commercial ships, Iran's military has threatened to target vessels not using a route approved by Tehran. The situation has led to a division of control over shipping routes, with Gulf states opting for a southern corridor protected by the U.S. Navy.
Although ship traffic through Hormuz has increased since the U.S.-Iran deal, it remains significantly lower than prewar levels, with oil exports averaging around 4.3 million barrels per day in June compared to over 15 million bpd before the conflict. Analysts suggest that Iran's actions are part of a strategy to destabilize the southern corridor and exert pressure on Gulf State oil producers.
The ongoing tensions and attacks could have significant implications for global energy markets and shipping security