【By Observer News, Wang Yi】At a time when the US and Israel have openly attacked Iran, escalating the Middle East conflict, most ships around the world are keeping a safe distance from the Strait of Hormuz, not daring to approach it.

India's New Delhi Television (NDTV) reported on March 4 that in "thanks" to China's position in the conflict, Iran said it would only allow Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Bloomberg, an ore carrier at 5 a.m. chose to display the signal "CHINA OWNER" to safely pass through the strait.

On the 5th, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the Strait of Hormuz is currently closed to ships of the United States, Israel, Europe, and its Western allies.

Data from the shipping data company Kpler shows that the bulk carrier named "Iron Maiden" changed its vessel identification signal from "For Orders" to "CHINA OWNER" at 5 a.m. on the 5th, and broke through the channel along the coast of Oman.

American media said that the "Iron Maiden" has been operating in the Persian Gulf since last December, carrying out multiple cargo transport missions. However, a spokesperson for Xingda Shipping (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., which operates the ship, said the company will not comment on specific shipping operations, especially when such information may affect the safety of the crew. The registered owner of the ship, Mi-Das Line SA, has also not released contact information, and its registered address is related to the Japanese shipping company Tokuyama Steamship.

Photo of the "Iron Maiden"

This move comes amid a sharp deterioration in the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Since the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran and triggered Iranian retaliation, this vital energy transportation artery has almost come to a standstill.

The advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on the 2nd that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed, and Iran would strike all vessels attempting to pass through the strait. Later, the deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, Mohammad Akbarzadeh, stated that the Strait of Hormuz was completely under the control of the Iranian navy, and more than ten oil tankers were hit by shells in the strait.

Amid the tense situation, some ships have begun trying to mark their identities to reduce the risk of being attacked. It was reported that over the weekend, a liquefied petroleum gas carrier called "Bogazici" broadcasted that it was a "Muslim-owned, Turkish-operated" vessel while passing through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid being attacked. The ship has now sailed to near India.

On the 4th, India's New Delhi Television (NDTV) quoted sources saying that Iran stated, as a gesture of "gratitude" for China's stance in the conflict, it would only allow Chinese ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Indian media pointed out that this is important because the strait is a key passage for Gulf countries to reach the open sea, and about 20% of global oil supply passes through it to Asian markets including China and India. If this route is blocked for a long time, the global energy supply chain will suffer serious impacts.

Bloomberg reported on March 3 that gas industry executives earlier revealed that China is urging Iran to avoid actions that might disrupt Qatar's gas exports or hinder the movement of energy goods out of the strait.

Several state-owned enterprise executives also told the American media that China hopes Iran does not attack oil tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but allows energy supplies to continue flowing. They also said that China simultaneously requests Iran to avoid attacking energy export hubs like Qatar.

In response to these reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on the 3rd that energy security is very important for the world economy, and all parties have a responsibility to ensure stable and smooth energy supply. China urges all parties to immediately stop military actions, avoid further escalation of tensions, safeguard the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent greater impact on the global economy.

Disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could also have domestic political implications for the US President who instigated this conflict, Trump. If the strait is blocked for a long time, oil prices will rise, thus increasing inflation in the US. Although the US is basically self-sufficient in natural gas, any disruption to the global supply chain can still trigger a chain reaction and push up prices. Now, the US public is already facing high prices caused by Trump's tariff policies.

Trump said on the 3rd that if necessary, the US Navy will start escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, "regardless of anything, the US will ensure the free flow of energy worldwide." However, he did not reveal more details.

At the regular press conference on the 4th, Mao Ning reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters are important international cargo and energy trade channels. Maintaining the safety and stability of the region serves the common interests of the international community. China urges all parties to immediately stop military actions, avoid further escalation of tensions, and prevent the situation from becoming turbulent, causing greater impact on the global economy.

On the 5th, Deputy Commander of the Central Command of the Hataam-e-Ambiya, Amir Heydar, told Iranian media that Iran has not blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also stated on the same day through the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), "We have previously explained that according to international law and relevant resolutions, Iran has the right to control the passage of the Strait of Hormuz during wartime."

At the same time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if ships belonging to the United States, Israel, Europe, and their supporters are found, "they will inevitably be attacked."

This article is exclusive to Observer News. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7613710108941484559/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.