Iran Tightens Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Impacting Global Oil Supply
Iran has implemented a complex mechanism to control the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. The system involves government-to-government agreements, intense vetting by the Iranian government, and sometimes fees for safe passage. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays a central role in this process. The Agios Fanourios I, a tanker carrying Iraqi crude oil, was allowed to pass through the strait after a direct deal with Iran, despite initial delays and inspections by the IRGC. This control has led to a significant bottleneck, with around 1,500 vessels trapped in the Gulf, affecting the global energy market.