Iran has once again escalated tensions in a critical global shipping artery, the Strait of Hormuz, by re-imposing its closure on Saturday, April 18. This pivotal move, occurring just hours after a brief reopening, has notably left two tankers belonging to PT Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) stranded in the strategic waterway.
The affected vessels, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are currently anchored in the Arabian Gulf, unable to navigate the crucial Strait. Vega Pita, the acting Corporate Secretary for PIS, confirmed that the company is exhaustively monitoring the evolving situation. “Both PIS vessels, the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro, are currently in the Arabian Gulf and cannot yet cross the Strait of Hormuz. PIS continues to closely monitor the highly dynamic developments in the Strait of Hormuz,” Pita stated in a written release on Sunday, April 19.
Beyond active surveillance, PIS is engaged in intensive coordination with a range of pertinent stakeholders. This includes key government ministries and relevant authorities, as the company diligently prepares secure navigation plans. The paramount concern for PIS remains the safety and well-being of both the crew members and the vital cargo they transport.
Expressing the company’s aspirations, Pita articulated, “We sincerely hope that conditions along this vital route will swiftly improve and stabilize, thereby allowing the Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro to safely resume their voyages without delay.”
The latest closure follows a brief period of optimism. Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, had announced that shipping lanes for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz were “completely open.” This declaration was made following a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. However, the Iranian military unexpectedly reversed this decision, closing the strait again just hours later.
The Iranian military cited the United States’ persistent blockade of vessel traffic to and from its ports as the primary justification for its renewed decision to shut the strait. This ongoing geopolitical friction underscores the volatile nature of maritime operations in the region, directly impacting global shipping and trade.
Summary
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday,