Iran says it coordinated passage of 26 ships through Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, despite a US blockade on Iranian ports. According to an IRGC statement carried by Iran’s state-affiliated ISNA news agency, 26 vessels passed through the strait in the past 24 hours. The statement said that traffic is being carried out with permission and coordination from the IRGC Navy.

The IRGC’s assertion comes as talks between the US and Iran over resuming traffic through the strait remain stalled. Prior to the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28, approximately a fifth of global energy exports passed through the strait. The US response to the blockade was to impose restrictions on Iranian ports, significantly impacting the country’s oil exports.

The standoff has significant implications for global energy markets and food security. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned that the blockage could lead to a severe global food price crisis within six to 12 months. The FAO stated that the disruption is affecting not only shipping and energy markets but also agrifood systems.

US President Donald Trump reported “progress” in negotiations with Iran, while threatening to resume military action if a deal is not reached. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that a return to war would feature unexpected consequences. The IRGC stated that if Iran is attacked again, it would expand the conflict beyond the region.

Experts believe that both sides are attempting to gain leverage by extending their respective blockades. Senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Will Todman, noted that “both sides seem convinced that the longer this goes on, the greater their leverage will be because the more their opponents will be suffering economically.”

Source: Al Jazeera