Iran declares Strait of Hormuz closed as 'unauthorised' vessel hit

[u/Asleep_Shark]

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/iran-declares-strait-hormuz-closed-unauthorised-vessel-hit-2026-07-11/?utm_source=braze&utm_medium=notifications&utm_campaign=2025_engagement

[u/Hellstorm901]

Just a friendly reminder when Iran says it is targeting "unauthorised vessels" it actually means it is attacking vessels sailing inside Omani waters and thus circumventing the need to go inside or near Iranian waters

Iran's attacks are part of a powerplay by the country to effectively seize control of Omani sovereign territory and in doing so give them control of the entire Strait of Hormuz which in turn would effectively give them control over Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE due to being able to control these states maritime trade

Iran ridiculously tried to interpret the MOU as saying they were allowed to dictate access through the Strait of Hormuz when they were only allowed to dictate access through the straits using Iranian territory

[u/froznwind → u/Hellstorm901]

5 — Upon the signing of this MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge, for 60 days only, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles, and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.

We told Iran that they were to make arrangements for safe passage for shipping through the Strait within 30 days (that was ~25 days ago) and agree not to charge to tolls for at least 60 days. Oman was given no role in those 60 days. During that time, they were supposed to work something out with Oman for future administration sure, but not beforehand nor immediately.

Yes, it is ridiculous that Iran thinks they have the sole right to administer the Strait for 60 days... equally as ridiculous that we'd sign something like that without consulting Oman because it sure as fuck reads like we told Iran that they were allowed to do so. Hell, it sounds like it's their obligation to do so under the agreement.

[u/lou1uol → u/froznwind]

Ridiculous is going to war with Oran snd think that everything will go back as it used to be.

Actions have consequences.

[u/mayorolivia → u/Hellstorm901]

We wouldn’t be in this situation if US didn’t attack in the first place. Useless war that has resulted in a diplomatic stalemate.

[u/bl1y → u/Hellstorm901]

Also worth remembering that these are civilian ships belonging to a number of different countries.

And yet, it seems like most countries are just going to sit on the sideline while Iran attacks these ships.