Is the Strait of Hormuz going to become the epicenter of a world war? This question is because tension has once again increased around Hormuz. On one hand, the mysterious explosion on a commercial oil tanker near the coast of Muscat has left the Arab countries breathless. On the other hand, American media reports are saying that Pentagon has started ‘Project Freedom’ without any formal announcement. Meanwhile, Iran has implemented the rule of ‘no permit, no passage’ by setting up its military checkpost in Hormuz. In such a situation, the question is – Is the increasing amount of gunpowder in Hormuz ready to throw the whole of West Asia into the fire of a great war at any moment?
In fact, after the ceasefire, the world felt that now the ships in the sea from the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf became safe. When the conversation started, it seemed that the sea would become normal again. Slowly but surely the oil routes will return to their old pace, but once again the situation in West Asia is deteriorating rapidly. The fire that had stopped on land is now visible in the sea.
What happened in the sea?
Did the fire in the oil tanker off the coast of Muscat happen due to some technical reason or have drone and missile attacks on oil tankers started once again? So far no one has taken responsibility for this explosion, but the fuel spreading in the sea and the black smoke covering the coast of Muscat have made it clear that this waterway has now become a smoldering death trap for commercial ships.
There is a strong suspicion in diplomatic circles that this attack is part of a well-planned and very aggressive retaliatory action by Iran after the American intervention in Hormuz. Both Iran and America have accused each other for this incident. That means the tension in Hormuz has increased again and this tension is very dangerous.
Paper hopes of ceasefire have been shattered
This incident has made it clear that the paper hopes of a ceasefire have been dashed. The world is standing on the brink of a certain world war. The gunpowder that flared up again amid the ocean waves has once again put the global energy supply chain to rest. The horrific attack on a commercial oil tanker in the international waters near Muscat coast of Oman is a direct proof that this war will no longer be limited to any one country.
Because on one side of Hormuz, huge ships laden with oil from many countries are trying to pass. On the other hand, mega oil containers from all over the world are waiting to go to Hormuz. Some ships have also been successful in crossing Hormuz after taking green signals from both America and Iran. In such a situation, once again an explosion in an oil tanker can make Hormuz the epicenter of a huge war.
Marine tracking agencies are reporting that the movement of ships in Hormuz has changed in recent times. Questions are being raised whether a new test of power has begun in the sea and has the Persian Gulf once again turned into a battlefield?
Iran is increasing its control in Hormuz
There is news that Iran is building its own smart control checkpoint in Hormuz. By doing this, Iran is giving the message that this sea route can remain open but Iran’s monitoring and control system will remain in place. IRGC has claimed that any maritime movement taking place from here is taking place only under its security arrangements and coordination. Iran says that currently it is not charging any toll to pass through Hormuz. However, movement of any ship will not be accepted without permission.
Iran has claimed that at least 25 ships have passed through Hormuz through its ‘smart control’ in the last 24 hours. But amidst this maritime tension, the explosion near Muscat coast has again increased the tension a lot. An explosion occurred on the exterior of an oil tanker 111 kilometers off the coast of Muscat, Oman. After the explosion, there was news of fuel leakage in the sea and with this new concerns arose regarding maritime safety.
An explosion created panic in the oil markets
This explosion has created a stir in the global oil markets. The sea route has again become dangerous. After this incident, insurance companies have increased the premiums for ships to the sky. If this conflict does not stop here, then in the coming days this fire will not be limited to the danger of cargo ships and oil tankers only. Rather, it will bring the world’s superpowers directly in front of each other and this has already begun.
The US Navy has started a major intelligence operation in Hormuz. America’s own media report has claimed that the US Navy has started helping in the movement of some ships in Hormuz. The discussion was about a Greek supertanker which was filled with about 2 million barrels of crude oil and which crossed this sea area.
This is also a claim about America
It is even being claimed in some media reports that the US Navy has started ‘Project Freedom’ operation in this area without any formal announcement. Defense experts are considering this as a well thought out ‘silent military doctrine’ of Washington. While on one hand America wants to keep Iran engaged at the negotiating table, on the other hand it is strengthening its hold on this entire maritime corridor without any official announcement.
On the other hand, Iran is not ready to bow down on this chessboard of Hormuz. Tehran has once again made it clear that its military control over the Strait of Hormuz is its biggest security guarantee against America and Israel. The Iranian leadership believes that mere signings and agreements on paper are no guarantee of anything.
The ground reality is that Iran can now completely cut off this major oil route of the world whenever it wants. This control of Hormuz is its biggest bargaining tool against America and Ali Bagheri, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has put more pressure on America by suddenly visiting Moscow.
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