New Delhi: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy has released a new map that marks out theStrait of Hormuz areas under its total control on Monday, as reported
by state media. This move comes at a time when the world is already on edge over the security of one of the most vital shipping routes in the world.
According to the Fars News Agency, the designated zone is locked between two specific lines, one stretching from Qeshm Island to Umm Al Quwain in the UAE and another from Mount Mobarak down to the area near Fujairah.
This isn’t just a route update from Tehran’s side rather it feels like a direct response to the massive pressure that was being build up in the Gulf from the US side recently.
Ever since the strikes began on 28th February and the subsequent US naval blockade that started in mid-April, the global oil supplies have been hit very badly. Almost twenty per cent of the world’s energy supplies are carried out through this maritime route.
With Iran restricting almost all commercial traffic except for its own, oil prices are skyrocketing, leading to even airlines getting shut down.
Donald Trump recent comments
The timing is also linked to recent comments from US President Donald Trump. On Sunday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to announce that the US would essentially step in to “guide” ships that have been stranded in the restricted waters. He mentioned that many vessels and crews are running low on basic supplies like food.
“We have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” Trump posted.
Iran’s clear warning to foreign forces
Iran’s unified military command didn’t take long to fire back as they issued a warning advising commercial vessels and oil tankers not to make any movement without coordinating with Iranian forces.
The head of the forces’ unified command, Ali Abdollhi, said in a statement, “We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces.”
It read further, “We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive U.S. Army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.”
Failed diplomacy and shaky ceasefire
The backdrop to this maritime action is a series of failed diplomatic efforts. There was a brief glimmer of hope earlier in April when Pakistan helped broker a two-week ceasefire.
However, after high-level talks in Islamabad on April 11, it became clear that a long-term truce just wasn’t on the cards. While President Trump has extended the ceasefire at Pakistan’s request without a firm deadline, the lack of a formal agreement means the region remains a powder keg.
