Despite Iran claiming to have completely opened the Strait of Hormuz, the situation is still not completely normal. According to Bloomberg report, on Saturday many Indian oil tankers returned after taking a U-turn in the Persian Gulf. The development came at a time when Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had announced that the Strait of Hormuz is ‘fully open’ to commercial vessels during the ceasefire period.
Indian and Greek ships did not cross
According to the report, four Indian tankers Sanmar Herald, Desh Garima, Desh Vaibhav and Desh Vibhor were heading from Dubai towards Hormuz, but returned midway. Similarly, two Greek tankers Nissos Keros and Minerva Europa also could not cross this important sea route. At present, most of these ships have been seen around Qeshm Island of Iran.
8.3 million barrels of oil trapped
These six tankers contain a total of about 8.3 million barrels of non-Iranian crude oil. If these ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, it would have been the largest oil flow from the Gulf in a single day since the conflict began on February 28.
Changed route after receiving warning on radio
According to the ship owners, late on Friday night these tankers were warned through radio that they would need permission from the Iranian Navy to cross Hormuz. Only after this many ships changed their course.
Iran’s U-turn: path will remain open with conditions
Iran first talked about completely opening Hormuz, but after a few hours it made it clear that if America does not lift its naval sanctions, this waterway can be closed again. At the same time, US President Trump praised Iran’s decision, but also said that the US blockade on Iranian ports and shipping will continue for the time being.
Way will not be available without IRGC’s permission
A senior Iranian military official clarified that to pass through Hormuz, all commercial ships must follow the prescribed route and obtain IRGC permission. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also said that all the ships will have to work in full coordination with Iran.
Political leadership vs IRGC
This entire incident has raised the question whether there is a lack of coordination between the political government of Iran and the IRGC. After the killing of many top leaders in the US-Israel attacks, IRGC has further strengthened its hold on the administrative and strategic decisions of the country.
Large presence of Indian ships
So far, eight Indian tankers, carrying crude oil and LPG, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached various ports in India. India has been among the top countries in terms of the number of ships passing through this corridor during the war. Iran had earlier allowed ships of ‘friendly’ countries like India, Pakistan, Iraq, Russia and China to pass through this route.
oil market fluctuations
After the announcement of opening of Hormuz, oil prices fell in the international market, as it raised hopes of ending the war. A second round of peace talks is proposed in Pakistan next week between America and Iran, due to which the situation may become more clear. However, experts believe that it may take several weeks or months for normal traffic to be restored in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Iran finally said clearly, ‘We are the protectors of Hormuz and will not relent in defending our rights,’ indicating that the situation still remains extremely sensitive.