This morning, following the US president's false claims that the Strait of Hormuz was open, three container ships from three different nations were forced to turn back after being warned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, the IRGC stated on its Sepah News website.
The IRGC added that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, and all transit through this waterway would face "tough measures."
The IRGC declared that "the movement of all vessels linked to ports belonging to US-Israel allies and supporters to any destination, through any corridor, is prohibited," without specifying further.
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A cargo ship sails through the Arabian Gulf, heading towards the Strait of Hormuz on 22/3. Photo: AP
Maritime data platform Kpler reported identifying two container ships from Chinese shipping company Cosco that attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and were forced to turn back. These two ships have been stranded in the Gulf since hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran erupted on 28/2.
"This is the first time a major carrier has attempted such a move amid the conflict," said Rebecca Gerdes, a data analyst at Kpler.
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Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian
Iran almost completely blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a route for 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, from the outset of hostilities in retaliation against the US and Israel.
Data from maritime database Lloyd's List Intelligence indicates that before the conflict, approximately 100 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily. Over the past month, fewer than 10 ships have transited the strait daily, while thousands of vessels have remained idle, fearing attack.
Iran later announced that "non-hostile ships" could pass through Hormuz if they coordinated with Tehran and adhered to published security regulations. Vessels linked to the US and Israel, as well as other parties involved in the conflict, were not permitted free passage through the waterway.
US President Donald Trump recently stated that he was "in talks with the right people and they very much want to make a deal" on the Iranian side. On 26/3, he claimed Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz "as a gift," signifying Tehran's seriousness in negotiations to end hostilities. Iranian officials denied any negotiations with the US.
By Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)
