New Delhi/Tehran: It has been raining gunpowder in the Middle East for the last 34 days. This fierce war that broke out between America and Iran has held the breath of the entire world. On one hand, US President Donald Trump claims that this war is in its final stages and will end in the next one or two weeks, while on the other hand, Iran has presented a big proof of its unbreakable friendship with India. Tehran has made it clear that even though the routes are closed to the world, the doors of the Strait of Hormuz are always open for its ‘Indian friends’.
This relieving news from Iran has come at a time when due to war it has blockaded this strategic sea route. After this announcement, the clouds of uncertainty regarding India’s energy supply seem to be disappearing to a great extent.
The Iranian Embassy in India shared a very special message on social media on Thursday. “Our Indian friends are in safe hands and no one needs to worry about anything,” the embassy wrote. In fact, earlier the Iranian Embassy in South Africa had said in a post that only Iran and Oman will take the decision on the Strait of Hormuz. Reposting the same post, the Iranian Embassy in India assured the safety and cooperation of Indians.
After the joint attack by America and Israel on February 28, Iran retaliated by closing the Strait of Hormuz. This is the narrowest sea route in the world through which more than 20 percent of global energy passes. Since the beginning of the war, Iran has imposed very strict rules here. Tehran had warned that those trying to cross this route without permission would have to face serious consequences. At present the situation is that more than 400 ships are waiting for Iran’s approval.
Iran has clarified that it has given priority to its friendly countries like India, China, Iraq and Pakistan to pass through this route. Despite the blockade, at least eight Indian ships have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz so far. These include large LPG tankers like ‘BW TYR’ and ‘BW ELM’, which are headed towards India carrying around 94,000 tonnes of LPG.
However, amidst the relief, the challenge is not completely over yet. According to officials, 19 Indian ships loaded with crude oil and LNG are still stranded in the Hormuz area and waiting for their turn. With this latest stand of Iran, it is hoped that these ships will also reach Indian shores safely soon.
