Ex-Iranian Minister Proposes 100-Day Plan To Control Strait Of Hormuz Ship Traffic

Former Iranian Economy Minister Ehsan Khandouzi has called for Iran to take control over all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, saying oil tankers and LNG cargoes should only be allowed to pass with Tehran’s permission.

He proposed that this policy be enforced starting “tomorrow for a hundred days.”

Khandouzi made the statement via a post on social media platform X, warning that any delay in implementing such a plan could lead to prolonged conflict within Iran. He reportedly stated that the policy would be “decisive if implemented on time.”

It remains unclear whether Khandouzi was speaking on behalf of Iranian leadership or sharing a personal opinion.

Khandouzi, who was Iran’s economy minister until mid-2023 under the late President Ebrahim Raisi, is known to support the country’s hardline political side.

Iran has often threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz to pressure other countries but has never actually done so. His recent comments come as tensions rise in the region, after Israel reportedly carried out air strikes on Iran last week.

Israel claims Iran is close to building nuclear weapons, but Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is considered one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints. About 20% of global oil, approximately 18 million barrels per day, passes through it.

The strait is vital for major oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News