Scholars warn: Iran is normalizing its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
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The number of ships in the Strait of Hormuz's Omani shipping lanes has sharply decreased, and Iran continues to strengthen its control over the waterways.
According to Mars Finance, on July 5th, reports indicated a significant decrease in the number of ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman on Sunday. This followed a sharp turnaround the previous day by several vessels attempting to leave the strait along the route, highlighting Iran's continued efforts to strengthen its control over this strategic waterway. An oil tanker that turned back on Saturday appears to be attempting to pass again and has now passed the northernmost tip of Oman's Musandem Peninsula. Earlier, another oil tanker also traveled along the same route and publicly announced its intention to navigate, currently broadcasting its position information in the Gulf of Oman. Other vessels are opting for unauthorized transit. A Suezmax crude oil tanker appeared in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday after its last position broadcast in the Persian Gulf on Saturday. Between Friday and Saturday, at least eight vessels suddenly turned back while transiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani route. Four of these subsequently changed course northward, exiting the strait via the Iranian side of the route. There is currently no official explanation for these sudden turns. However, Iran has repeatedly stated that ships can only transit the Strait of Hormuz via designated and authorized routes. According to Kpler data, 19 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz in both directions on Saturday, but only one ship publicly indicated it would enter the strait via the Omani coastal route, compared to 13 ships using that route on Friday. These statistics only cover observable navigation activities.
Iran warns external countries against creating a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to BlockBeats, on July 4th, Xinhua News Agency reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on July 3rd, stating that both countries would cooperate with Oman to ensure the safety of shipping in its sovereign territorial waters. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi responded on the 4th, stating that the Strait of Hormuz is not a venue for military displays by external countries, and Iran opposes any military actions that could affect the security of this waterway. As the guarantor of security in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will remain highly vigilant regarding any related military movements. The security of the Strait of Hormuz should be jointly maintained by the littoral states, and any actions that create a crisis will be subject to the consequences of the parties involved. He also emphasized that the warning was "serious."
Iranian sources say Iran insists on retaining control of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to two high- Odaily Iranian sources, Iran is determined to gain international recognition for its control over the Strait of Hormuz and its right to charge fees for ships entering and leaving the Gulf, even if it requires the use of force. Under the interim agreement reached this month with the United States aimed at ending the three-month conflict, Iran agreed to allow ships to pass through the strait free of charge for 60 days. However, Iran believes the wording of the agreement allows it to continue to control which ships can pass and their routes within this narrow waterway. Sources say Iran is also determined to ensure long-term formal recognition of this control after the interim agreement expires; its negotiators will not turn to other contentious issues in peace talks with Washington until a consensus is reached on this issue. (Jinshi)
The US warned Iran that changing the status quo in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the agreement.
According to Mars Finance, on July 2nd, Saudi Arabia's Al Arabiya TV, citing sources, reported that the United States has informed Iran that it rejects any actions that would alter the current status quo in the Strait of Hormuz. The sources added that any attempt to change the status quo would be considered a violation of the relevant agreements. The source pointed out that the United States views Iran's attitude and actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz as the first test of its commitments under the agreement; any progress regarding the frozen funds in Iran will be conditional upon Iran's compliance with the agreement.
Iranian lawmaker: The US must recognize the Iranian regime in the Strait of Hormuz
Odaily Odaily reports that following the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's announcement of strikes against 85 US military facilities in the region, a senior Iranian lawmaker stated that the US must "recognize the new administrative system in the Strait of Hormuz." According to official media reports, Ibrahim Aziz, chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, made the remarks on social media, commenting on the Revolutionary Guard's so-called "preliminary response" to US aggression. He stated, "There is no other way: the new Iranian regime in the Strait of Hormuz must be recognized."
Iran launches at least two missiles at ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Mars Finance, on July 7th, AXIOS reported that a US official stated that Iran fired at least two missiles at ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Two merchant ships were hit and severely damaged, but there were no casualties.