Share and Follow
An oil tanker operating in the Strait of Hormuz was engulfed in flames following an attack by an Iranian suicide drone, as reported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday. This incident occurred amidst the US Navy’s pending operation to secure the region’s maritime traffic.
According to Iran’s state-run Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC stated that the tanker, named Prima and flying a Maltese flag, disregarded multiple warnings to stay clear of the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is pivotal for global oil supply, facilitating the transit of approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily, or 20% of the world’s oil supply. Since Iran announced its closure at the onset of the conflict, oil movement through the strait has nearly ceased entirely.
This disruption has caused US oil prices to soar by $20 per barrel within a week, reaching $90 per barrel by Friday. This spike has heightened concerns of a potential recession unless the US can swiftly address the threat posed by the IRGC in the area.
Sitting strategically between Iran and Oman, the strait is subject to international maritime laws intended to ensure free passage. However, Iran has historically exerted significant control over this narrow passageway during periods of tension.
After the killing of the Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic claimed, “the strait is closed.”
“If anyone tries to pass … the navy will set those ships ablaze,” promised Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the IRGC’s commander-in-chief on Monday.
“We will not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region. Oil price will reach $200 in the coming days,” he vowed.
Most tankers are sitting idle in the Indian Ocean, as they fear being sunk by an Iranian drone if they cross.
In response, President Trump on Tuesday said the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the straight.
“No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world,” he said.
No escort mission had been launched as of Saturday. The Pentagon didn’t return The Post’s request for comment.
“All eyes are on the US Navy,” Peter Doran, adjunct senior fellow at Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told The Post.
By escorting vessels through the Strait, the Navy would essentially provide a protective shield by shooting down any Iranian drone or missiles that attempt to sink oil, he said.
“The US Navy is very good at shooting down drones and missiles,” Doran added.
“But we need to see a very clear presence by the Navy and frankly the Pentagon could do a much better job at explaining to the world what its plans are and how it intends to resolve this bottleneck.”
If safe passage isn’t restored by the end of next week, Doran said the White House likely will face intense pressure from consumers, as prices of gas at the pump are expected to continue soaring.
“We’re looking at a test of wills and the test of naval power, the IRGC versus the US Navy,” he said. “The US Navy is absolutely likely to win that contest, but all eyes would like to see action from the Navy.”
Only nine large vessels have managed to get through the strait over the past week, Doran said.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared a “force majeure” on Saturday, and began cutting oil output, following suit after Iraq and Qatar — as the bottleneck has oil-producing countries running out of storage.