CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Amid the continuing military confrontation between the United States and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has once again become the centre of a strategic contest. Iran is increasing surveillance to strengthen its hold over the sea route and is warning of restrictions on the movement of ships. At the same time, the administration of US President Donald Trump is maintaining military and economic pressure on Iran. Recent developments indicate that neither country is ready to step back over this critical maritime route.
According to a Reuters report dated October 14, Iran has changed the ways in which it targets ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Citing Iranian officials, the report said Tehran wants to step up action against vessels it believes are violating its sanctions.
The stated aim behind this strategy is to affect maritime transport, keep pressure on oil prices and force the US administration to make concessions in talks. The report also noted that, ahead of midterm elections in the United States, the economic impact of the war could become part of the political debate. However, it is not yet clear what effect Iran’s strategy may have on the outcome of US elections.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the war, about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne trade in oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this route. In the current situation, it would not be correct to say that any one side has undisputed control over the strait. Iran is trying to limit the movement of ships and enforce its sanctions. On the other hand, the US military is attempting to keep the transport of oil and other goods through the sea route moving.
US Central Command has rejected Iran’s claim that the strait is fully under its control. The US side says its forces and regional partners are active in the maritime route. Even so, attacks on ships and security-related threats are affecting commercial movement.
The impact of rising tension in Hormuz is not limited to the United States and Iran. If oil supplies through this route are disrupted, pressure on prices in the international market could increase. For energy-importing countries such as India, such a situation is particularly significant, because a sustained rise in oil prices could affect transport, production and inflation. Operators of maritime vessels are also facing challenges linked to security, insurance and transport costs. If attacks and restrictions continue, uncertainty may persist over global energy supplies and trade.
Talks and military activities between the United States and Iran will be important in determining what happens next. Iran is using its influence over the sea route to build pressure, while the United States is trying to maintain ship movement and continue pressure on Iran. For now, the two sides have differing claims over control of Hormuz, and the situation on the maritime route remains tense.
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