The global shipping industry has been plunged into chaos following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, according to sources from the Greek shipping center. In an exclusive interview with Geo News, the sources revealed that shipping companies have been instructed not to allow vessels traveling from Europe to Asia to pass through the Suez Canal, and those that have already set sail are being advised to anchor in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Saudi Arabian government has also issued an order for all vessels to depart from the port of Dammam, while sources estimate that at least 150 oil tankers and cargo ships are currently stranded in the Persian Gulf. The majority of these vessels have switched off their lights and location signals, and it remains unclear how many ships are currently trapped in the Gulf.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through the global shipping industry, with experts warning of a possible shortage of oil and other essential commodities. The cost of shipping oil has already begun to rise, with the price of a barrel of oil expected to increase by as much as 50% due to the disruption.
The crisis has also sparked a global diplomatic response, with the Chinese government condemning the Iranian action as a “serious violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The United States and Israel have also launched airstrikes against Iranian targets, with reports suggesting that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has fired ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a number of Israeli military installations.
Meanwhile, the Pope has expressed his concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East, and the Russian government has issued a statement condemning the US and Israeli airstrikes as a “gross violation of international law and human rights.” As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains on high alert, with many countries issuing travel warnings and advisories to their citizens.
In a related development, the emir of the United Arab Emirates has been injured in a missile attack, and the government has issued a statement condemning the Iranian action as a “serious threat to regional stability and security.” As the crisis deepens, the world waits with bated breath for a resolution to the conflict.
