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New Delhi. The Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important sea route, is once again ablaze with gunpowder. On Wednesday, the Iranian army opened indiscriminate fire on three merchant ships transiting international waters. One of these ships was headed for India. Under these circumstances, the global energy supply crisis has deepened. This attack comes at a time when efforts are underway for Iran’s peace talks with the US and Israel.

Why did Iran attack the ships?
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard carried out this daring operation on Wednesday morning. According to reports, the Iranian army first opened fire on a container ship and then shortly thereafter targeted another ship. Iranian media claims that these ships ignored the army’s warnings, hence legal action was taken against them. The seized ships have been identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminodes, which have been taken by the Iranian army. Shortly after this, a third ship, Euphoria, was also attacked, which is reported to be stranded on the Iranian coast.

Did Trump’s ceasefire decision not work?
This attack occurred when US President Trump announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire, which was set to expire on Wednesday. Trump had expressed hope that this would open the way for negotiations. However, Trump also made it clear that the blockade of Iran’s ports would continue. This is what has angered Iran. Iranian diplomats say that until the US lifts its blockade, they will not come to the table for any kind of peace talks. This means that despite the ceasefire, this war at sea shows no signs of ending.

What is the impact of the naval war?
The escalating tension in Hormuz is directly affecting your pocket. The price of crude oil (Brent crude) in the international market has crossed $98 per barrel, a 35 percent increase since the war began. The disruption or cost of oil and gas supplies is not only increasing the price of petrol and diesel, but also increasing the cost of transporting food and other goods. If this sea route remains closed for a long time or attacks continue, the risk of a global recession will increase, making it difficult for the common man to make ends meet.

What is the situation in Pakistan and other countries?
Amid peace efforts, Pakistani officials are still awaiting a positive response from Iran. Islamabad wants to host the next round of talks, but Iran has not yet confirmed sending a delegation. Iranian diplomat in Egypt, Mojtaba Ferdowsi Pour, has made it clear that no Iranian delegation will visit Pakistan until the US lifts its blockade. This clearly indicates that diplomacy is currently at a complete standstill and an arms race is escalating.

What has been the damage caused by the war so far?
This war, which began with airstrikes on Iran by the US and Israel on February 28, has claimed thousands of lives. According to statistics, at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran so far. The situation is also dire in Lebanon, where more than 2,290 people have lost their lives. Twenty-three civilians in Israel and 15 soldiers fighting in Lebanon have been killed. More than a dozen people have also died in the Gulf countries. Thirteen US soldiers deployed in the region have also lost their lives in this conflict.

Iran’s stance shows no signs of softening. The Revolutionary Guard has threatened to unleash a devastating strike beyond the enemy’s imagination. In Iran, radical supporters are staging rallies and demonstrating their missile capabilities. Meanwhile, conflict continues between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Although a 10-day ceasefire is in place, it has been weakened by claims and counter-attacks from both sides. Unless a concrete diplomatic agreement is reached, this game of death is likely to continue from sea to land.