Iranian strikes hit cargo ships in the Gulf, threatening the vital Strait of Hormuz and sending global oil prices soaring as conflict escalates.
TEHRAN: Three commercial ships were struck by fire in the Gulf on Wednesday as Iran launched attacks against neighbouring oil exporters. The assaults threaten shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz, plunging the global energy economy into crisis.
Oil prices have surged since late last month when US and Israeli attacks killed Iran’s supreme leader. The conflict, now in its 12th day, has placed intense focus on the vital sea lane.
The G7 powers were to hold a video meeting to discuss opening strategic petroleum reserves to counter rising prices. Their energy ministers stated they “stand ready to take all necessary measures”.
A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have a devastating economic effect. The strait carries 20% of world oil and gas supplies and a third of global fertiliser for food production.
The Pentagon said US forces destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels on Tuesday. Attacks with drones or missiles continued on Wednesday, hitting at least three ships.
According to the UK maritime security centre, a cargo vessel’s crew was forced to evacuate after an “unidentified projectile” caused a fire. A bulk carrier and a container ship were also hit off the United Arab Emirates.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on social media. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” he posted.
Drones also fell near Dubai airport, injuring four people. Trump has suggested the US Navy could escort tankers, but an administration announcement of a first such escort was later acknowledged as untrue.
Experts doubt naval escorts could safely reopen Hormuz to trade. The Soufan Center think tank said any escort would face persistent missile and drone threats.
“Experts estimate that Iran’s naval mine stockpile sits anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 mines,” it added. This would further complicate any plan to escort commercial tankers.
Iranian authorities warned against domestic dissent, with the police chief saying protesters would be treated as “enemies”. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated Iran is “Certainly… not seeking a ceasefire”.
Ordinary Iranians described adapting to life under frequent strikes. “We’ve put our faith in God. For now, there’s food in the shops,” Tehran resident Mahvash, 70, told AFP.
The US and Israel launched the war on February 28, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son Mojtaba Khamenei has been named successor, though reports suggest he has been wounded.
Iran’s health ministry said more than 1,200 people have been killed in US and Israeli strikes. More than 10,000 civilians have been injured, though AFP could not independently verify the figures.
The conflict has spread to proxy grounds. In Iraq, Iranian-linked groups said five fighters died in strikes they blamed on the United States.
In Lebanon, hundreds have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced by Israeli operations targeting Hezbollah. New Israeli strikes were reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday.
The Sun Malaysia
