Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open to All Except US-Israel Vessels Amid Trump's 48-Hour Ultimatum
On Sunday, Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to all shipping traffic, with the sole exception of vessels associated with its "enemies," specifically referring to the United States and Israel. This statement comes in response to a 48-hour ultimatum issued by US President Donald Trump, demanding the full reopening of this critical maritime passage. The strait is a vital conduit for approximately 20% of the world's crude oil supply, making its status a focal point in the escalating Middle East conflict.
Trump's Warning and Iran's Retaliatory Threats
A day prior to Iran's declaration, President Trump issued a stark warning, indicating that failure to restore unimpeded access to the Strait of Hormuz would result in a new wave of attacks. He explicitly stated that the United States would target "various power plants, starting with the biggest one first." In retaliation, Iran has vowed a tit-for-tat strike, threatening to hit US-Israel energy facilities, which has heightened tensions in the region.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically crucial waterway that links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, serving as the only sea route to the open ocean. It is bordered by Iran on the northern coast and the Musandam Peninsula on the southern side, which is shared by the United Arab Emirates and Oman's Musandam exclave. Under normal circumstances, nearly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows through this corridor. However, since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliatory actions, access has been severely restricted, disrupting maritime traffic and increasing risks for vessels and crews.
Rising Security Incidents and Casualties
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), at least 24 commercial vessels, including 11 oil tankers, have reported attacks or security-related incidents across the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman since March 1. Additionally, four more attacks claimed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards remain unverified by international authorities. The International Maritime Organization reports that at least eight seafarers and dock workers have been killed since the conflict began, with four others missing and 10 injured.
Sharp Decline in Shipping Activity
Maritime traffic has plummeted dramatically due to the ongoing hostilities. Typically, the strait handles around 120 vessel transits daily, but between March 1 and 21, it recorded just 124 commodity carrier crossings, according to data from Kpler reported by AFP. This represents a staggering 95 percent decline. Of these crossings, 75 involved oil tankers and gas carriers, with most heading eastward out of the strait.
Stranded Personnel and Vessels
The International Maritime Organization estimates that approximately 20,000 seafarers, along with cruise passengers, port staff, and offshore workers, are currently stranded in the region. The agency notes that at least 3,200 vessels are present in the area, with up to two-thirds being large commercial ships engaged in international trade. Clarksons data indicates that about 250 oil tankers remain in the Gulf, accounting for roughly five percent of global crude tanker capacity.
Surge in Fuel and Shipping Costs
The disruption has led to a sharp increase in shipping costs. Ship fuel prices have risen by around 90 percent since the conflict began, according to Ship and Bunker. Meanwhile, the cost of transporting a barrel of crude oil has doubled since the start of the year, reaching approximately $10, as reported by Clarksons.
