US-Iran standoff continues to disrupt shipping in Strait of Hormuz
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been severely affected by blockades imposed by both Tehran and Washington. Despite Iran's announcement on Friday to reopen the strategic waterway, the United States did not reciprocate for vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports. After a brief period on Friday when dozens of commercial vessels passed through, Iran reclosed the passage on Saturday, warning that approaching ships would be considered targets. Since Sunday, only four ships have successfully transited the strait in either direction, according to marine tracking firm Kpler. These include the Iranian-flagged Nova Crest, which is sanctioned by the US, and the sanctioned gas tanker Axon I, which was allowed by Iran to enter the Gulf for the UAE. The gas tanker G Summer also crossed, but did not appear to dock at an Iranian port. The Panama-flagged Starway, owned by China-based firm Hechuang International Group, made a U-turn after passing westwards through the Iran-approved route. The US military reported that its forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the blockade began. The sanctioned container ship Shamim and the Iranian-flagged bulk carrier Artman were reportedly intercepted and redirected to Chabahar. The LPG tanker Raine also turned back towards the strait after nearing open seas. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the container ship Touska was seized for failing to respond to a warning. Iran also
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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