Kathmandu — On the very first day of the maritime blockade imposed by the United States targeting Iran’s ports, widespread uncertainty was seen in global trade and shipping sectors. After diplomatic talks in Islamabad failed to reach a conclusion, US President Donald Trump announced a decision to block ships traveling to and from Iran.
This decision significantly reduced vessel movement in the world’s most sensitive oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. According to maritime activity data, only a very small number of ships crossed the route in the first 24 hours of the blockade.
Previously, more than 130 ships used to pass through this region daily, but it has now become almost deserted. The United States Central Command stated via social media that no commercial vessel was able to violate the blockade on the first day. It also claimed that some ships were instructed to turn back.
Despite the blockade, some vessels still used the route. Some tankers believed to be linked with Iran crossed the waters, although they were not heading toward Iranian ports. For example, a Panama-flagged tanker named “Peace Gulf” was seen heading toward Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, a sanctioned Chinese-owned vessel named “Rich Starry” became the first ship to leave the Gulf region after the blockade, reportedly carrying a large quantity of methanol and operated by a Chinese crew.
In response to the situation, China strongly criticized the US move, calling it “risky and irresponsible,” and warning that it could further increase tensions in West Asia. However, China did not clearly state whether its own vessels are currently using the route.
Meanwhile, the US side has stated that ships carrying humanitarian aid will be partially exempt from the blockade.
अमेरिका–इरान तनावपछि स्ट्रेट अफ हर्मुजमा समुद्री नाकाबन्दी कडा, विश्व व्यापार प्रभावित
