Tension in the Strait of Hormuz: Iranian Statements Raise Concerns

The situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly complex. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

Statements circulated by sources close to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have heightened concerns around the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, this strategic waterway is allegedly "closed," and ships attempting to pass through it may be at risk of attack.

However, so far this claim has not been officially confirmed from the perspective of international maritime regulations. Iranian statements have indicated that any ship attempting to pass through Hormuz may be stopped by force.

These statements have further increased fears related to the risk of war in the region and energy supply security. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center — UKMTO — emphasized that no official notification about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been issued through international maritime safety channels.

According to UKMTO information, there are reports in open sources and on VHF communication waves about transit restrictions, but no official closure has been announced. Calls over VHF stating "passage is restricted" do not constitute an official suspension of transit under international maritime law.

This situation could lead to misunderstandings and increase the likelihood of military clashes. The Joint Maritime Information Center assessed the situation as "extremely dangerous."

They noted that recent attacks on commercial vessels, shells, and drones have raised the risk in the region. The U.S. Maritime Administration — MARAD — also warned of a high risk of military operations in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas.

This indicates that Washington is also taking the threat in the region seriously. Experts emphasize that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the critical points in the global energy chain, with a large portion of global oil consumption passing through it.

For this reason, the escalation of the situation could cause serious problems on an international scale.