Iran warns about the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions in global transportation.
- Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control worries market.
- Iran threatens maritime routes without official authorization.
- Oil flows face risks and a drop in traffic.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stepped up its rhetoric, warning international shipowners about the use of unauthorized routes in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement released Wednesday, any attempt to establish new routes without coordination with Tehran is considered "unacceptable and dangerous," with the risk of direct action against vessels that disregard the guidelines.
This position reinforces Iran's effort to maintain tight control over one of the world's main energy transit routes. Even after a recent agreement reached with the United States to reopen the flow in the region, the environment remains surrounded by uncertainty for maritime operators.
According to local authorities, only routes previously defined by Iran are permitted, and communication with the country's forces through official channels is mandatory. In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard Navy declared: “Navigation outside these routes is extremely dangerous and prohibited, and we warn all vessels to strictly avoid any movement outside the designated corridors.”
Recent data indicates a still moderate recovery in ship traffic. Last weekend, the number of crossings reached 93, exceeding the number recorded in the same period of the previous year. Even so, the volume remains below the level observed before the conflict, when more than 100 vessels crossed the strait daily.
Tracking information also indicates that operators continue to adopt cautious strategies, combining different available routes. "Operators are still acting cautiously, rather than returning to completely normal traffic patterns," highlighted a monitoring company.
In the political arena, recent actions by the United States have increased pressure on Tehran. The Treasury Department sanctioned the Iranian authority responsible for the strait, classifying its actions as an attempt to interfere in global maritime trade. The current Secretary, Scott Bessent, stated that any attempt to impose costs or restrictions on international traffic will be met with a response.
Analysts believe that Iran's operational control could impact the global flow of oil in the long term. "Any end to the conflict that allows Iran to exert operational control and influence over the Strait will result in considerably lower flows through the waterway, in our opinion," Helima Croft stated in a recent press release.
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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