Why did Iran stop the plane coming to India in Hormuz? Explained the reason

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. One of these ships was coming to Gujarat, India. The IRGC said the two vessels were operating without required permits and had tampered with navigation systems, posing a threat to maritime safety.

The IRGC’s navy issued a statement saying that in the morning they identified and intercepted vessels violating regulations in the Strait of Hormuz. These ships have been taken to the coast of Iran. AFP quoted an IRGC statement as saying that the two ships had endangered maritime security. The IRGC clearly stated that ‘disrupting order and security in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line.’

Also Read: ‘Iran Doesn’t Want Hormuz Closed’, Trump Citing Strong Earnings, Now Furious

The ship was going to Gujarat

The name of the first ship is EPAMINONDAS. It is a Liberian flagged container ship. According to Sea Traffic, it was en route from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Mundra Port in Gujarat. The length of the ship is about 300 meters and the width is 42.8 meters. The second vessel is a Panamanian flagged container ship called MSC-FRANCESCA, which was bound for Hambantota port in Sri Lanka. The IRGC has described it as linked to the ‘Zionist regime’.

Were running without permission

The IRGC Naval Command quoted Press TV as saying that the two vessels were traveling without permission and were disrupting the navigation system. This was affecting maritime security. “The IRGC Navy maintains intelligent control over the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said. “Any activity that violates Iran’s maritime regulations or disrupts safe navigation in this strategic waterway will be continuously monitored and strict legal action will be taken against violators.”

Tensions continue in the Middle East

This incident has happened at a time when the tension between the US and Iran continues. Yesterday Tuesday, US President Donald Trump announced on social media that the two-week ceasefire with Iran has been extended indefinitely at Pakistan’s request for mediation. Trump has demanded a joint peace proposal from Iran’s ‘broken’ leadership. But the US continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran has described this blockade as ‘no different from bombing’. In response to this, Iran has carried out this naval operation.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important waterways in the world. A large amount of the world’s oil is exported from here. Iran considers it its territory and says it will ensure its security. The IRGC said they would be vigilant in enforcing traffic rules in the strait.

There was no official statement

This incident is significant for India as the ship EPAMINONDAS was on its way to Mundra port in Gujarat. Mundra is a major commercial port in India. This incident could affect India-Iran trade and regional security. The Government of India has not yet made an official statement on this but talks may begin at the diplomatic level.

With this step of Iran, the regional tension may increase further. The US naval blockade is affecting Iran’s economy. Iran says it will defend its maritime borders. Experts believe that such incidents can make peace talks difficult.

What did Iran say?

The IRGC reiterated that no country or ship can violate Iran’s rules and regulations. He said they would ensure safe navigation in Hormuz. Both the ships will be taken to the Iranian coast and examined.

Also read: First bomb blast threat, then ceasefire announcement, Donald Trump confused on Iran

This incident shows that Iran has strong control over the Strait of Hormuz. Merchant ships around the world will now have to be vigilant. This may affect the trade of India, Sri Lanka and other countries.

Detailed information about the condition of the crew of both the planes is not yet available. IRGC said that further action will be taken as per legal process.