The Kribi, a Malta-flagged container ship, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transit since the start of the U.S.-Israeli military operation on February 28th.
Iranian Closure and International Response
The Kribi departed waters near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, heading towards Iran, and transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, reaching near the Omani capital Muscat by Friday morning.
During its voyage, the ship broadcast “Owner – France” instead of a destination.
Lack of Official Comment
The shipping company and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the matter. The Ministry of Finance also did not respond to a Bloomberg request for comment.
On Thursday, three other ships also entered the Strait of Hormuz from the Persian Gulf, heading south along the Omani coast, broadcasting ownership information identifying Oman as their owner, according to Bloomberg.
“Unrealistic” Military Operation
The UN Security Council postponed a vote on Thursday regarding authorization to use “defensive” force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian attacks; the meeting was originally scheduled for Friday.
France expressed skepticism about the use of force, with President Emmanuel Macron previously stating that a military operation to unblock the waterway is “unrealistic.”
Impact on Oil Prices
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz following the start of the U.S.-Israeli military operation on February 28th. As approximately one-fifth of global oil transport passes through the strait, its closure has contributed to a significant increase in crude oil prices.
Calls for Reopening and International Discussions
Representatives from over 40 countries discussed ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, calling on Iran to immediately and unconditionally reopen it and adhere to fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and international maritime law, according to the British Foreign Office.
The UK-organized teleconference was a response to Iran’s closure of one of the world’s most important shipping routes and U.S. President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with European countries’ refusal to assist in reopening the strait.