On Tuesday, US forces struck five Iranian tankers—sinking one—in response to Tehran
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Maritime security and energy geopolitics: a key GS2 International Relations and GS3 Energy Security topic.
Why in news
US forces struck and sank five Iranian tankers, including the M/T Riesco, in retaliation for Tehran targeting an American warship and a US base in Jordan.
Background
US Central Command (Centcom) reported striking four tankers linked to the IRGC in the Gulf of Oman and one near Kharg Island. Jordan's Armed Forces shot down 18 of 20 Iranian missiles launched at a US base in Jordan.
Facts for Prelims
- FactM/T Riesco: Iranian oil tanker sunk by US forces in the Gulf of Oman.
- PlaceKharg Island: Major oil terminal off Iran's coast where 90% of the country's crude oil passes through pipes from the mainland.
- FactBrent crude price: Rose by 1.5% to $99.35 per barrel following the escalation.
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz: Strategic waterway where Iran claimed to have attacked two US vessels and eight oil tankers.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the maritime escalation between the US and Iran, consider the following statements:
- Jordan's Armed Forces shot down 18 of 20 Iranian missiles launched at a US base.
- The M/T Riesco was an Iranian oil tanker sunk by US forces in the Gulf of Oman.
- Kharg Island is a major oil terminal where 50% of Iran's crude oil passes through pipes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: 90% of the country's crude oil passes through pipes from the mainland.
For Mains
Q. Analyze the impact of escalating maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman on global energy security and international trade routes.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy Security: High concentration of Iranian crude exports through Kharg Island creates a single point of failure for global supply.
- Maritime Chokepoints: Strategic vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz to non-state and state-sponsored 'shadow networks' affecting global trade.
- Geopolitical Escalation: Tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran impacting Brent crude price volatility in Asian markets.
Keywords: Energy Security · Maritime Chokepoints · Shadow Networks · Geopolitical Instability · Trade Routes
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