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Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, there is emerging speculation of a potential threat from Iran. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, an initiative supported by the Royal Navy to manage maritime emergencies, has raised concerns about the possibility of Iran attempting to block the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passageway for global shipping, acting as a significant chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Iran controls the eastern shore, while the western edge is bordered by Dubai. Nearby, the United Arab Emirates and Oman also play strategic roles in the region. It is noteworthy that the UAE might be discontented, having reportedly been targeted by Iranian missiles despite not participating in the American and Israeli military actions against Iran.
Although there are reports of Iran’s threats, they remain unverified at this time. Historically, Iran has often used the threat of closing the Strait as a strategic maneuver when facing unfavorable circumstances, and current events suggest the regime is under significant pressure.
The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations, a Royal Navy-sponsored organization that acts as a “911 call center” for the global shipping industry, said it has received multiple reports from ship operators about the shutdown.
At least 20% of the world’s petroleum product passes through the Strait of Hormuz, widely considered the most crucial oil chokepoint in the world.
The Strait is a major shipping lane, as well as being a major bottleneck between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. Iran holds the east shore of the Strait, while Dubai holds the peninsula that forms the west shore of the narrow point of the Strait. The United Arab Emirates and Oman are neighboring countries to Dubai. The United Arab Emirates, we might note, are probably peeved at having been the apparent target of Iranian missiles, despite them not having been involved in the American/Israeli operations.
The reports of Iran’s threats are not yet verified:
“These reports cannot be independently verified at this time,” the UKMTO said in an advisory issued Saturday. “Mariners are advised that VHF broadcasts or statements indicating closure of the Strait of Hormuz are not legally binding and do not constitute a lawful restriction on navigation under internal law.”
Vessel tracking data indicate reduced ship operations through the strait, but not a total shutdown.
The UKMTO said military forces may establish advisory or warning zones to reduce the risk of inadvertent engagement, but such a move isn’t intended to impede merchant shipping. Vessels are free to navigate through international waterways.
Here’s the thing: This is a threat that the Iranian regime has regularly made when things aren’t going their way. And boy howdy, are things ever not going their way right now.