Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted even after the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States took effect.

Only four tankers and six bulk carriers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran took effect until Thursday.

Strait of Hormuz – Iran and the United States stated that, following the announcement on Wednesday of a two-week ceasefire agreement, the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, would reopen. However, according to AFP, Israel's disregard for the ceasefire by launching attacks on Lebanon, coupled with various statements from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has cast doubt over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Let’s take a look at the current shipping situation in the Strait of Hormuz:

Data from maritime data provider Kpler shows that, since the ceasefire agreement came into effect until Thursday, only four tankers and six bulk carriers have passed through the strait.

Of these, only one tanker, the "MSG," is not Iranian-flagged.

According to MarineTraffic monitoring data, this Gabon-flagged tanker passed through the strait on Thursday, carrying approximately 7,000 tons of UAE fuel oil bound for India.

Another dozen vessels appear to be preparing to transit the Strait of Hormuz—these ships are either originating from Iran, heading toward Iran, or linked to non-hostile nations. This indicates that the strait’s shipping conditions have hardly changed compared to before the ceasefire agreement took effect.

According to intelligence firm Vanguard Tech, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims that vessels can only use the Strait of Hormuz if they operate in cooperation with the Iranian Navy.

Except for three Omani tankers that passed near Oman’s coast last week, recent transiting vessels have all used routes approved by Iran; otherwise, there is a risk of mines. The IRGC-designated routes are close to Iran’s Larak Island.

Some ships may need to pay fees. According to a report by the Financial Times on Wednesday, Iran might charge $1 per barrel for oil transit, payable in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan.

As reported by Lloyd’s List, approximately 800 vessels have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since the war began on February 28.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862055337874432/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.