US warns of the consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz
The United States has reiterated its warning that any attempt to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway, would have serious global repercussions. This came in a statement by the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, who emphasized that Iran's actions in the strait directly impact the global economy and stressed the need to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers.
Waltz explained that the US administration emphasizes the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in international waterways and is working diligently with its partners to ensure these waterways are not used as a tool for political pressure or an economic weapon. He added, “We are working to ensure that international waterways cannot be weaponized.”.
The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important waterways, with nearly one-fifth of the world's daily oil consumption passing through it, making it a vital artery for global energy supplies. Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, the strait is crucial for major oil-exporting countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, to export their oil to global markets. Any disruption to this waterway not only leads to an immediate and sharp rise in oil prices but also threatens the stability of global supply chains and exposes the global economy to a significant shock.
Historical background of tensions
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a stage for geopolitical tensions, particularly between Iran and Western countries. These tensions have roots stretching back decades, most notably during the "Tanker War" of the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. In recent years, incidents involving the seizure or attack of commercial vessels have become more frequent, with Iran repeatedly threatening to close the strait in response to international sanctions or political pressure. These persistent threats have prompted international maritime powers, primarily the United States, to maintain a permanent military presence in the region to ensure the security of navigation.
New draft international resolution
In this context, the US representative revealed that Washington is working with the Gulf states to draft a new UN resolution aimed at addressing Iranian violations in the Strait of Hormuz. He explained that the draft resolution will focus specifically on condemning Iranian attacks against commercial vessels and its blatant violations of international law. He added that the resolution will demand that Iran disclose the locations of the sea mines it has planted in the strait, hold it accountable for imposing illegal fees on transiting ships, and condemn its destabilizing activities in this vital waterway.
