Authorization comes on the same day that Trump gave 48 hours to reach an agreement or allow the opening of the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian government authorized the passage of vessels transporting essential goods and humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz bound for Iranian ports or transiting the Sea of Oman, the country’s Agriculture Minister, Homan Fathi, said in a letter obtained by the Tasnim news agency.
“It is requested that, in accordance with the protocols issued and the necessary coordination, appropriate instructions be provided for the crossing of these vessels. Furthermore, it is requested that the list of relevant vessels that are prepared to cross the Strait of Hormuz be sent, in order to coordinate operations”, states Fathi in the document.
The authorization comes on the same day that Trump set the deadline for opening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main global oil transport routes. According to him, time “is running out” and, if there is no progress, the Iranians will face severe consequences. “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to make a deal or open the Time is running out — 48 hours before all hell breaks loose,” Trump wrote.
Iran responded. Iran’s military command has rejected the US president’s threat to destroy the country’s vital infrastructure if it does not accept a deal to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. In a statement from Central Headquarters Khatam al-Anbiya, General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi described Trump’s ultimatum as an “impotent, nervous, unbalanced and stupid action”.
What is the Strait of Hormuz?
O , concentrating around 20% of the world’s oil flow. Any blockage or tension in the region tends to directly impact international commodity prices.
Approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil pass through its waters daily, a volume that is equivalent to around 20% of global consumption of the commodity. Understanding the geography and political chess of this route is essential to explain why a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran could cause a collapse in the global economy.
The degree of dependence of the international market on the Strait of Hormuz is quantified by the volume of assets that must cross the channel. In addition to the 20 million daily barrels of oil coming from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, the route is the outlet for 20% of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) traded on the planet, the overwhelming majority of which comes from Qatar’s production matrices.
UN discusses Hormuz next week
The United Nations Security Council is expected to vote next week on a Bahrain resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuzdiplomats said this Friday (3). No date has been announced.
A . Bahrain, which currently chairs the Security Council, finalized a draft resolution on Thursday that would authorize “all necessary defensive means” to protect commercial shipping.
*With international agencies and Estadão Conteúdo
