‘Take permission or get targeted’: Iran warns vessels seeking to sail through Strait of Hormuz

In another stern warning, Iran cautioned vessels planning to sail through the Strait of Hormuz to obtain approval from Iran, or they could become a target of attacks. The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Naval Force, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, claimed that two ships were targeted in the Strait on Wednesday as they disregarded Iran’s warnings.

The warning from the Iranian general surfaced after crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree were caught crossing the Strait without obtaining Iran’s permission. He said, “Were the ships assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz? This should be asked of the crews of the vessels Express Rome and Mayuree Naree, who today, trusting in empty promises, ignored the warnings and intended to cross the Strait, but were caught. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran.”

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Also read: ‘BEWARE! Remove them or face consequences’: Trump’s stark warning to Iran over Hormuz mines

Safe passage for neutral ships

Iran reiterated that ships not involved in serving the interests of the United States and Israel will be allowed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz safely.

The restrictions imposed by Iran became stringent on the passage of ships through the strategically crucial waterway as the United States and Israel continue to strike Iran as part of their ongoing military operation.

Strategic importance of the Strait

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. 

Over 20 million barrels of crude oil pass on an everyday basis through the narrow route separating the Iranian coast from Oman. The amount is equal to nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption and around a quarter of all seaborne oil trade.

A major portion of the liquefied natural gas consumed globally also sails through the same passage.

Any disruptions to traffic through the passage can have a drastic impact on financial markets, supply chains, and household budgets around the world.