West Amid rising tensions in Asia, there has been a sharp decline in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the assessment of maritime security officials, there has been a decline of more than 90 percent in the movement of ships here since February 28, following Tehran’s retaliation after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the Royal Navy-led watchdog, reported more than 40 incidents between March 1 and April 27. These incidents include attacks on merchant ships passing through the area, damage to ships, harassment and narrow escapes.
Damage caused to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz
“Vessels or their crews were either directly damaged or suffered indirect damage. Additionally, several vessels were harassed or forced to turn back,” the monitoring team said in a statement on Friday. The team further reported that at least 26 of these incidents involved direct attacks on merchant ships. Let us tell you that America and Israel started attacks on Iran on 28 February. Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed in this attack. To avenge the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran launched attacks in Israel and also targeted American bases located in Gulf countries.
Now less than 10 ships are getting passage as compared to 130.
Not only this, Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz under its control. About 30 percent of the world’s crude oil and gas is supplied through the Strait of Hormuz. About 130 huge ships passed through here every day. But, now this number has reduced to less than 10. Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important sea routes, the movement of oil and gas has almost come to a standstill. UK Maritime Trade Operations officials said that due to this situation, 850 to 870 large cargo ships are also stuck inside the bay, which are unable to get out safely due to safety risks in the narrow waterway.
