The clouds of war are beginning to deepen in West Asia. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important sea lanes, is currently at the center of immense tension. According to reports, two big oil tankers of Pakistan, ‘Khairpur’ and ‘Shalmar’ have suddenly changed their course. According to Iranian and Pakistani media, both these ships were moving rapidly towards Hormuz, but on Sunday they suddenly changed their course. It is being told that these ships were to bring a consignment of crude oil and diesel for Pakistan.
Iranian army guarding Hormuz
Actually, at present Hormuz is under strict guard of Iranian army. Any ship passing through here has to first obtain permission from Iran. However, sources say that after initial hesitation, these ships have been given way to move forward by coordinating with Iranian authorities, but the situation still remains delicate.
Trump again warned
Amidst this maritime tension, a statement by US President Donald Trump has added fuel to the fire. Trump on Monday openly warned Iran that if any Iranian military ship came in the way of American ships or tried to break the blockade, it would be immediately destroyed.
The US President wrote on his social media platform ‘Truth Social’, ‘Iran’s navy has already become very weak. About 158 of their ships have sunk into the depths of the sea. Now they have only a few ‘fast attack ships’ left. If they even come close to our blockade, we will eliminate them as ruthlessly as drug smugglers are eliminated in the sea.
Why is Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. About 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through this narrow path. If this route is closed or war breaks out here, the prices of petrol and diesel across the world may skyrocket and the global economy may collapse.
After the failure of peace talks, America has started the siege of Iranian ports since Monday morning. However, the US says it is only stopping ships that are going to or coming from Iran. Ships from other countries are being allowed passage provided they do not pay any illegal tolls to Iran. Pakistan is currently trying to intervene, but Trump’s tough stance and Iran’s military deployment have left it breathless.