Summary
- Reuters reported that Iran proposed allowing ships to transit freely without risk of attack through the Oman-side route of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Reuters described the move as the first visible sign of Iran stepping back, but said it was more of a gesture than a breakthrough.
- Hundreds of ships are waiting to pass through the critical waterway, which handles about 20%% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
Iran has proposed to the US that ships be allowed to move freely through the Oman-side route of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack, Reuters reported.
Citing a source familiar with the Iranian government, Reuters reported on April 16 that Tehran made the proposal to Washington. Iran conditioned the offer on reaching an agreement in talks with the US that would prevent the conflict from erupting again.
Reuters described the move as the first visible sign that Iran is stepping back. But it added that the proposal appears closer to a gesture than a breakthrough, and is unlikely to quickly clear the hundreds of ships waiting to pass through the critical waterway. About 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas, or LNG, shipments pass through the strait.
An International Maritime Organization spokesperson told Reuters that the UN shipping agency welcomes any measures aimed at allowing vessels to transit safely.
JOON HYOUNG LEE
gilson@bloomingbit.ioCrypto Journalist based in Seoul
