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IRAN HAS CLAIMED “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for world oil and gas supplies.
The narrow 21-mile-wide sea passage, through which around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes, was already shut by Iran in response to the US-Israel attack over the weekend.
It’s sparking concerns of tighter energy supplies and furthering debate on whether it will have a knock-on effect at fuel pumps across the world.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said this morning that they now hold total sway over the route between Iran and Oman.
“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy,” said Guards Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh in a statement issued on Fars news agency.
Since the war got underway with the US-Israel attack on Iran, any vessels seeking to pass risked damage from missiles or stray drones.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the Gulf shipping route.
With reporting by AFP and Nicky Ryan
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