The maritime threat level in the Strait of Hormuz has been raised to 'severe' as attacks on vessels attributed to Iran continue, shaking a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport.
According to reports from The New York Times and shipping industry outlet SeaTrade Maritime, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) adjusted the threat level for the Strait of Hormuz from 'considerable' to 'severe' on July 7.
JMIC categorizes maritime threat levels into five tiers: low, moderate, considerable, severe, and crisis. A 'severe' rating indicates a very high likelihood of intentional and hostile attacks occurring.
The increase in alert level follows a series of vessel attacks near the Strait. A Qatari LNG carrier was reportedly attacked off the coast of Oman, and a Saudi oil tanker also sustained damage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed incidents of vessel strikes and fires near the Omani coast.
The United States responded swiftly with military and economic measures. U.S. Central Command stated that Iran had attacked civilian vessels in international waters and conducted airstrikes on targets within Iran. Additionally, the U.S. government revoked exemptions that had allowed the sale of Iranian oil.
Iran condemned the U.S. actions, claiming they violated a ceasefire and the Islamabad agreement. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, cited the U.S. attacks in southern Iran and the reinstatement of oil sanctions as violations of the agreement, asserting, 'We will not yield.'
Maritime traffic has also seen a downturn. Reuters reported that, according to vessel tracking firm Kpler, the number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 16 on July 7, the lowest level in about three weeks. This is a stark contrast to the pre-war average of over 100 vessels per day using this vital route.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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