Iran captures ships in Persian Gulf, escalating tensions over Hormuz Strait

US and Iran Escalate Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

On February 28, the US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran, prompting Tehran to block the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, Iran captured two foreign container ships attempting to exit the strait and fired at a third one, further escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The incident occurred amid a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which began on April 13. Earlier this week, the US military intercepted an Iranian-flagged container ship, Touska, near the Strait of Hormuz, capturing it after firing on the vessel. Iran responded by accusing the US of “piracy”.

On Wednesday, the US military also intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters, redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.

The Strait of Hormuz, which separates Oman from Iran, is a critical shipping lane for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. The strait’s narrowest point is within Iranian territorial waters, with Iran claiming the right to regulate traffic through it. Since the US imposed its naval blockade on April 13, both countries have controlled entry and exit points to the strait.

In recent weeks, Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, imposing a “toll booth” system to control vessel traffic. Several vessels from countries including Malaysia, China, Egypt, South Korea, India, and Pakistan passed through the strait before the restrictions were imposed. The US military’s actions have left maritime traffic in a situation where rival militaries control entry and exit points to the strait.

The latest incident has raised concerns about the escalating tensions in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera