Shipping Network News, local time July 1, according to Iranian state media, a container ship ran aground in shallow waters in the Strait of Hormuz due to using a route not designated by Iran.
Source: Screenshot from the internet
As of now, specific information about the vessel, the extent of damage, and rescue progress have not been released.
CNN reported on June 29 that three different shipping routes have emerged in the Strait of Hormuz. The first route is located in the northern part of the Strait of Hormuz and is controlled by Iran. The second route passes through the middle of the strait and is the conventional international waterway before the Strait of Hormuz was blocked. The third route is located in the southern part of the strait, passing through waters near Oman, and is coordinated by Oman, the United States, and the International Maritime Organization.
Despite this, in fact, Iran only recognizes the northern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz under its control, and transit requires approval from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA). Iran does not recognize the southern corridor. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has repeatedly called on captains and ship owners to only transit through routes authorized and pre-coordinated by Iran, warning that violations “may lead to irreversible accidents.”
In short, after the US and Iran reached and signed a memorandum of understanding, both sides are still “competing for diplomatic initiative.” The Iranian side has repeatedly emphasized that, according to Article 5 of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, Iran is responsible for the management of transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the United States and the International Maritime Organization are attempting to restore the pre-conflict status.
In other words, the issue of transit compliance is becoming one of the focal points of the game in the Strait of Hormuz.
