Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has virtually stopped after Iranian forces shelled commercial vessels and claimed to have seized at least two of them. This was reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
According to monitoring platforms, on Thursday morning only one vessel continued to move through the strait, while others stopped transit. In particular, the tanker Ocean Jewel stopped at the entrance to the corridor after the shelling began.
Iran announced the seizure of the container ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, which had previously come under fire. This was the first confirmed case of vessel seizure since the escalation began almost eight weeks ago.
Panama reports illegal seizure of its flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz23.04.26, 06:30
These actions are estimated to indicate Tehran's attempt to establish control over traffic in the strategically important strait.
Situation in the region
Despite the general halt in traffic, individual vessels still passed through the strait. In particular, the bulk carrier Ascanio crossed it the day before and is currently moving in the Gulf of Oman.
Shipowners report increased tension in the region, where at least two attack incidents have occurred in the past week.
The situation escalated after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iran. According to the US military, since mid-April, at least 31 vessels, mostly oil tankers, have been forced to change course or return to port.
Greece denied Iran's claims of seizing a container ship near the Strait of Hormuz23.04.26, 00:55
Some vessels were also intercepted by US forces. In particular, two Iranian supertankers are currently anchored in the port of Chabahar, and another vessel is being escorted by a US warship.
There is currently no information regarding the further resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran attacked three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them - media22.04.26, 15:53