A commercial oil tanker erupted in flames in the Strait of Hormuz following an attack by an Iranian suicide drone, as confirmed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday. This incident occurs amidst the delay of the US Navy’s anticipated mission to protect vessels navigating this critical waterway.
According to the Tasnim News Agency, Iran’s state-run media, the IRGC reported that the tanker, named Prima and operating under the Maltese flag, had disregarded multiple warnings against entering the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passageway linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is pivotal for global energy transportation. Approximately 20 million barrels of oil, making up about 20% of the world’s supply, traverse this route daily. However, since Iran declared the strait closed at the onset of the conflict, oil flow has nearly ceased.
This disruption has led to a significant spike in US oil prices, which jumped $20, reaching $90 per barrel by Friday. The surge has raised concerns about a potential economic recession if the United States does not promptly address the IRGC’s threats in the region.
Situated between Iran and Oman, the strait is regulated by international maritime law, which is meant to ensure free passage. Despite this, Iran historically exerts considerable influence over the strait during periods of tension.
Following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic declared, “the strait is closed.”
“If anyone tries to pass … the navy will set those ships ablaze,” promised Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the IRGC’s commander-in-chief on Monday.
“We will not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region. Oil price will reach $200 in the coming days,” he vowed.
Most tankers are sitting idle in the Indian Ocean, as they fear being sunk by an Iranian drone if they cross.
In response, President Trump on Tuesday said the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the straight.
“No matter what, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world,” he said.
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No escort mission had been launched as of Saturday. The Pentagon didn’t return The Post’s request for comment.
“All eyes are on the US Navy,” Peter Doran, adjunct senior fellow at Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told The Post.
By escorting vessels through the Strait, the Navy would essentially provide a protective shield by shooting down any Iranian drone or missiles that attempt to sink oil, he said.
“The US Navy is very good at shooting down drones and missiles,” Doran added.
“But we need to see a very clear presence by the Navy and frankly the Pentagon could do a much better job at explaining to the world what its plans are and how it intends to resolve this bottleneck.”
If safe passage isn’t restored by the end of next week, Doran said the White House likely will face intense pressure from consumers, as prices of gas at the pump are expected to continue soaring.
“We’re looking at a test of wills and the test of naval power, the IRGC versus the US Navy,” he said. “The US Navy is absolutely likely to win that contest, but all eyes would like to see action from the Navy.”
Only nine large vessels have managed to get through the strait over the past week, Doran said.
Meanwhile, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation declared a “force majeure” on Saturday, and began cutting oil output, following suit after Iraq and Qatar — as the bottleneck has oil-producing countries running out of storage.
