Iran Attacks Hormuz Strait, Nearly 10 Ships Attacked, 7 Dead
AFP, Paris, 8th. Data analysis agencies point out that since Iran began to block the Hormuz Strait to retaliate against US-Israeli air strikes, about 10 ships have been attacked in the strait and its surrounding waters, with four incidents resulting in seven deaths.
AFP reports that the Hormuz Strait is an important route for transporting oil and other goods. Since the outbreak of the Iranian war on February 28, attacks have nearly paralyzed the strait's traffic over the past week.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Office (UKMTO) issued about 10 attack alerts and suspicious activity warnings, but did not disclose detailed information about the involved vessels.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) listed data on its website showing that nine ship attacks occurred in the Hormuz Strait in the past week, with four incidents resulting in seven deaths in total.
¬ Inconsistent Official Positions of Iran
Iran itself also needs to pass through the Hormuz Strait to export oil, and the official stance on whether to block the strait is unclear. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard general warned on February 2 that Iran would "burn any vessel that dares to pass through the strait" and block all oil exports in the Persian Gulf region.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said on the 5th that Iran "has no intention of closing" the Hormuz Strait.
US Energy Secretary Wright said on the 6th that the US would escort commercial ships sailing through the Hormuz Strait once conditions permit.
French President Macron said on the 3rd that he was seeking to form a coalition to ensure the safety of "key waterways for the global economy" in the region.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859152794313930/
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