After the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices surged by 40%

The Strait of Hormuz - attacks on the Strait of Hormuz and nearby merchant ships have made this blocked waterway the frontline of the Middle East war, bringing increasingly severe economic consequences. Normally, 20% of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas transportation passes through the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for the U.S.-Israel airstrikes, Iran has almost completely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to strike the global economy as much as possible. Currently, only a few ships sailing through this strategic waterway can pass, and some ships have been burned to the sea.

According to data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Iraqi authorities, and Iranian authorities, at least 10 tankers have been attacked, targeted, or reported to have been attacked since the conflict broke out.

Seven of these tankers have been reported to the UKMTO, and four bulk carriers, three container ships, one tugboat, one oil rig ship, and one cargo ship also reported explosions, attacks, or suspicious activities in the region to the International Maritime Organization.

The Thai Navy said that its bulk carrier "Maju Nari" was attacked while passing through the strait. The Omani Navy rescued 20 crew members, but is still searching for another three crew members.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday and said they had also attacked a vessel flying the Liberian flag.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that the U.S. military destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying ships that could be used to block the Strait of Hormuz, but on Wednesday, drone or missile attacks continued, with at least three ships being hit.

After the U.S. military attacked the military infrastructure of the Kharg Island oil export hub in Iran on Saturday, Trump warned that, "Morally, I chose not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island."

"However, if Iran or any other country takes any action to interfere with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."

France, the current chair of the G7, President Macron urged other G7 leaders to take action to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible on Wednesday.

Global oil prices have risen by 40% due to Iran's blockade of the crucial maritime route and attacks on energy and shipping targets in neighboring Gulf countries.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Sunday that its member countries recently decided to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, "The IEA member countries in Asia and Oceania will immediately provide these reserves." The Americas and Europe will also follow suit in the coming weeks.

Amid global market turmoil, Trump told NBC News over the weekend that he believes Tehran is eager to return to the negotiating table, but the United States is still working to secure better terms.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif denied that Tehran sought a deal.

Zarif said, "We don't see any reason to talk to Americans because when we were talking to them, they decided to attack us."

Sources: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859776426506252/

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