Iran threatens Europe: Strait of Hormuz passage possible, but only under strict terms
Iran continues to set conditions (Photo: Getty Images)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has stated that any European or Arab country will receive free passage through the Strait of Hormuz if it expels the ambassadors of the US and Israel, reports The Guardian.
According to a report by the Iranian state television company IRIB, which quotes the IRGC, the unimpeded passage will take effect today, Tuesday, March 10.
"Those countries would have the “full right and freedom” to transit the strategic waterway if they sever diplomatic ties with both Israel and the United States," writes The Guardian, citing the IRGC.
The Guardian also notes that hundreds of vessels are currently at sea on both sides of the strait, as the oil and shipping markets watch for signs that traffic flows through this narrow corridor might resume.
Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass through this strait.
Problems with the Strait of Hormuz
On February 28, Israel and the US began a military operation against Iran. In response, Tehran began striking several countries in the Middle East.
Furthermore, as of March 9, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had decreased by approximately 90%. This, in turn, has affected global trade.
Specifically, on the morning of March 9, Brent crude exceeded $115 per barrel. However, that evening, US President Donald Trump suggested that the war against Iran is close to completion, and oil prices began to decline.
Nevertheless, the strait remains closed for now, but French President Emmanuel Macron announced yesterday that his country will deploy naval vessels to escort container ships and oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz.
