Gulf tanker tensions are rising…
The United States is enlisting military allies in the Gulf and Yemen waters.
Vital marine trade locations for oil exports in the Middle East include the Straits of Hormuz (south of Iran), and Bab al-Mandab (south of Yemen).
Daily, over 4 million barrels of oil travel from the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to the rest of the world. Even after the U.S. blamed Iran for two attacks on U.S. tankers in June (denied by Iran), a U.S. drone was later shot down by Iranian military forces.
Japanese energy and shipping companies were also attacked in the Straits of Hormuz in June.
Iran Believes the U.S. Violated Iranian Airspace
President Trump posted to Twitter stating, “Iran made a very big mistake!”
Iran said that the U.S. violated Iranian airspace, and the U.S. claimed that they were over international waters. The U.S. had planned retaliation airstrike efforts but later canceled them.
Marine General Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that he wants to “ensure freedom of navigation” for trade routes in the region. He also stated that the U.S. is talking to several countries with the “political will” to support this plan and that the U.S. will provide surveillance and “command and control” ships for nations that participate.
The idea is that other countries will assist in nearby patrols, and escort commercial ships carrying their flags through the area. During trade operations, safety and freedom of navigation is the main objective.
