After US strikes on targets in Iran, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil trade, was largely disrupted. According to Al Jazeera's open-source analysis, a serious disruption emerged in the area immediately after attacks on three commercial vessels on Tuesday.
Maritime data revealed that yesterday 8 vessels switched off their automatic identification system (AIS) devices while transiting the Oman route. Their signals later reappeared in the Gulf of Oman. Of these vessels, 4 were oil tankers, one was a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, and three were bulk and general cargo ships. The vessels are operated by companies based in Indonesia, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
Tankers move away from the area
Two oil tankers, LILA VADINAR and PRESTIGE PRIDE, suddenly changed course and turned back while sailing in Omani territorial waters before entering the Strait of Hormuz. It was learned that these tankers, operated by companies based in Japan and the UAE, were heading to Oman and the UAE.
Three LNG tankers belonging to Qatar Energy — El Gariye, Duhail, and El Ruweys — sailing in the Indian Ocean also changed course and pulled back after Tuesday's attacks. It was stated that these empty tankers were heading toward Qatar's Ras Laffan Port.
US military operation and electronic jamming
Simultaneously with this chaos in maritime traffic, intense jamming of navigation signals was detected in the Iranian transit lane of the Strait of Hormuz and off the UAE coast. On Tuesday, at least 16 Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135R refueling aircraft, along with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, were seen conducting hours-long circular flights over the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
US announces retaliatory strike
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday morning that it had struck more than 80 targets in Iran with precision-guided munitions in retaliation for Iran's targeting of commercial vessels. The targets included air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radars, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard stationed around the Strait of Hormuz, it was stated.
Response and reaction from Iran
A spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced that an American MQ-9 drone was shot down by air defense systems in the southern province of Bushehr. Additionally, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters stressed that the US would not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil sanctions return
Following the ship attacks, the US revoked the general license allowing the sale of Iranian oil and reimposed restrictions on crude oil exports. Iran's Foreign Ministry, stating that the memorandum of understanding signed three weeks ago had been violated by the US, strongly condemned the cancellation of the temporary suspension of oil sanctions and held Washington responsible for the consequences.
Overall, as of Wednesday morning, 9 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian route and 9 via the Omani route.
