Iran opens oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz for China; delivers big shock to India

Tehran: Amid the ongoing war and tensions in the Middle East, shocking news has emerged. Iran has made a significant decision regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has announced that only Chinese ships will now be allowed to pass through this crucial waterway. Iran has taken this step to express gratitude for Beijing's strong support and standing by it during the war.

What has Iran said?

Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) officials have clarified that ships from other countries, especially tankers from Western and their allies, will not be allowed to pass through this route. Violating vessels could be targeted. This decision by Iran has dealt a significant blow to India, as India meets much of its oil needs from Gulf countries through the Strait of Hormuz. More than 20 percent of global oil supplies pass through this narrow strait.

Earlier, Iran's IRGC claimed to have "complete control" over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's Fars news agency, IRGC naval officer Mohammad Akbarzadeh said in an official statement that the Strait of Hormuz is currently under the complete control of the Islamic Republic's navy. This statement from Iran comes at a time when tensions in the region are high and crude oil and gas prices are rising.

An Iranian official on Monday warned of targeting ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and reports indicate that Iranian forces have fired on several vessels in the area. Due to the current situation, some insurance companies have increased insurance premiums for ships in the region. According to Lloyd's List Intelligence data, approximately 200 crude oil and product tankers are stranded in the Gulf region.

What warning has Donald Trump delivered to Iran?

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said that the US Navy will be deployed if needed to protect ships in the Middle East and that risk insurance will be provided to shipping companies "at a reasonable price" to maintain energy supplies. Trump's statement comes at a time when tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran have increased concerns about global energy supplies.

Trump stated on social media that the US government would provide risk insurance to shipping companies operating in the region at a "very reasonable price" to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to the world. Experts say that despite these assurances, it is unlikely that companies' concerns will be fully allayed.