The United States has attempted a counter-blockade, but there are indications that Iran is exerting practically stronger control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The New York Times (NYT), citing S&P Global Market Intelligence data on the 22nd local time, reported this observation.
The NYT noted the continued passage of Iran-linked vessels.
According to the shipping data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence, from March 2, at the beginning of the conflict, to the 19th, 308 Iran-linked vessels carrying Iranian cargo or listed under sanctions passed through the strait.
In contrast, during the same period, only 90 ships unrelated to Iran passed through. This suggests that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz is much stronger than that of the U.S.
The U.S. is implementing a “counter-blockade” to cut off Iran’s finances by blocking ships entering or leaving Iranian ports or linked to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, but there is controversy over its effectiveness.
The U.S. military maintains that no Iran-linked vessels have breached the blockade so far, but according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, at least seven Iran-linked vessels have passed through the U.S. blockade.
The NYT pointed out that while the U.S. shows off its power by deploying Apache attack helicopters around the Strait of Hormuz, the fact that the U.S. Navy’s main vessels do not engage in direct escort operations inside the strait due to fears of Iranian retaliation is raising shipping companies’ concerns.
Anders Boernes, Managing Director of the German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd, expressed concerns, noting that “Iran’s attack occurred even ahead of negotiations with the U.S.,” and “the lack of warning makes it impossible to predict the situation.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. has stated that Iran’s attack on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, capturing two of them, is not a significant issue that would break the ongoing ceasefire.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt explained on Fox News that “they were not U.S. or Israeli ships,” indicating that Iran’s recent attack does not violate the ceasefire.
This stance is interpreted as an intention not to disrupt the ongoing peace negotiations with Iran due to its recent actions.
Your tip-offs become news. SBS Biz is waiting for your reports. Website: https://url.kr/9pghjn