UK Maritime Center Report Confirms Iran’s Control Over Strait of Hormuz

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, data released by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), as reported by Iran’s Mehr News Agency and CNN, indicates that only 151 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz in a seven-day period, either entering or exiting. This figure emerged amidst escalating tensions and a US-led maritime blockade against Iranian shipping.

Since the commencement of what the report terms “America’s war-mongering against Iran” on February 28th, 56 reports of vessel damage in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters have been logged. This tally notably excludes two recent attacks.

The report identifies the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, along the Omani coast, which the United States has promoted as a temporary alternative passage, as the most perilous transit zone. Out of 18 incidents involving projectile attacks reported by UKMTO since July 6th, 16 occurred along this route.

Addressing the US maritime blockade against Iranian vessels, the report states that two entries and exits for Iranian-flagged ships were registered at the country’s ports in recent days. Vessels flying the flags of Panama and Liberia recorded the highest number of transits through this contested waterway, with 12 ships each.

A particularly significant observation regarding the Strait of Hormuz arrangements is that, in direct accordance with statements from Iranian officials, no transits were recorded for vessels carrying the American flag. The most prevalent type of vessel observed passing through were oil tankers transporting refined petroleum products.