The US strikes on targets in Iran and Iran's retaliation have upended maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategic oil transit points. According to an analysis by Al Jazeera's open source unit, a serious disruption occurred in the region after attacks on three commercial vessels on Tuesday.
Maritime data revealed that eight ships turned off their automatic identification system (AIS) devices while passing through the Oman route yesterday. The signals of these ships later reappeared in the Gulf of Oman. Four of the ships were oil tankers, one was a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, and three were bulk and general cargo vessels. Operated by companies based in Indonesia, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, these ships made a covert passage, unlike the cargo vessel 'MSV NAFEA', which was the only ship to openly transit the Oman route from Wednesday morning until noon.
Tankers withdraw from the area
Two oil tankers, LILA VADINAR and PRESTIGE PRIDE, suddenly changed course and turned back while sailing in Omani territorial waters before entering the Strait of Hormuz. It was learned that these tankers, operated by companies based in Japan and the UAE, were heading to Oman and the UAE.
Three LNG tankers belonging to Qatar Energy — El Gariye, Duhail, and El Ruveys — which were sailing in the Indian Ocean, also changed course and withdrew after Tuesday's attacks. It was stated that the tankers were empty and heading towards Qatar's Ras Laffan Port.
US military buildup and Iran's retaliation
Simultaneously with this chaos in maritime traffic, intense jamming of navigation signals was detected in the Iranian transit lane of the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of the UAE. On Tuesday, at least 16 Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135R refueling aircraft, along with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, were seen conducting hours-long circular flights over the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday morning that it had struck more than 80 targets in Iran with precision-guided munitions in retaliation for Iran's targeting of commercial vessels. The targets included air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radars, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guards stationed around the Strait of Hormuz, it was stated.
The spokesman for Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced that an American MQ-9 drone was shot down by air defense systems in the southern province of Bushehr. Additionally, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters stressed that the US would not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil sanctions return
Following the ship attacks, the US revoked the general license allowing the sale of Iranian oil and reimposed restrictions on crude oil exports. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the memorandum of understanding signed three weeks ago had been violated by the US, strongly condemned the cancellation of the temporary suspension of oil sanctions, and held Washington responsible for the consequences.
Overall, as of Wednesday morning, nine ships transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian route and nine via the Omani route.
