- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,203.60+0.54%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,303+0.35%
- October 19, 202614°
- BIST10011,722-2.89%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,203.60+0.54%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,303+0.35%
- October 19, 202614°
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz: Ship Traffic Stops
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters announced it has closed ship passages through the Strait of Hormuz, alleging the United States breached the terms of an agreement and broke the ceasefire. Following the announcement, maritime traffic data shows passages through the strait have stopped, with at least one vessel altering its course.
Iranian military authorities have announced they have closed the Strait of Hormuz to ship traffic, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. In a written statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, it was stated that this decision is a response to the United States 'reneging on its promises', violating the terms of the agreement that ended the war, and persistently breaking the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
Passages Suddenly Stopped
Immediately after the announcement, maritime data tracked by Al Jazeera's open-source unit revealed that ship passages through the strait had stopped. According to the data, earlier today, before Iran's announcement, 18 ships had managed to cross the strait.
Among these ships were 8 oil tankers, 1 LNG tanker, 6 cargo ships, and 3 bulk carriers. However, no new passage has been recorded following the release of Iran's official notice.
China-linked Ships Prominent
In the traffic through the strait up until the last hours before the stoppage, the prominence of China-linked vessels was notable. Of the 18 ships that passed, 4 belonged to companies based in China, with two of them flying the Chinese flag.
Additionally, three oil tankers traveling from Thailand to the United Arab Emirates and operated by South Korean companies were among the ships that crossed the strait. The bulk carrier 'HMZ Island', traveling from Turkey's Tuzla port to Iraq's Umm Qasr port, was also among those that passed.
Ship Changed Course
The data shows that a vessel named 'Glory Tom' changed its direction after reaching near the Strait of Hormuz. While ownership records point to a Chinese owner, this maneuver, coinciding with Iran's closure announcement, indicates that entry into the strait was abandoned.
Other ships on routes approaching the strait were also observed either stopping or changing direction.
Tension on the Third Day of the Agreement
This development occurred only three days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. to end the war. In the days following the agreement, a partial and gradual increase in ship traffic through the strait had been observed.
In the political arena, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if an agreement cannot be reached with Iran, the U.S. will 'do things that won't make them happy'. At the same time, it was reported that American negotiator Steve Witkof will travel to Switzerland, and an Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf will also travel to Switzerland.
The maritime traffic data proves that Iran's announcement had an immediate and concrete effect on activities in the strait. However, this data does not show whether the closure is being implemented through direct orders to ships or via military and maritime regulations in the region, nor whether the situation is temporary or the start of a prolonged closure.
Stay Updated with RuskiGazeta
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
