On Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims·
Maritime security and strategic chokepoints: a relevant GS2 International Relations and security case study.
Why in news
US Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards' claim regarding the cause of damage to the Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia in the Strait of Hormuz.
Background
CENTCOM reported that the El Gaia was attacked by Iranian missiles last month and hit by an Iranian drone this weekend off Oman's coast. Thirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel, while one sailor remains missing.
Facts for Prelims
- FactEl Gaia: A Panama-flagged oil tanker involved in the maritime incident.
- FactThirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the tanker.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the El Gaia maritime incident, consider the following statements:
- The vessel was attacked by Iranian forces off the coast of the Gulf of Aden.
- Thirteen Indian crew members were rescued from the vessel.
- The El Gaia is a Panama-flagged oil tanker.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 3 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note states the tanker was hit off Oman's coast.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of the Strait of Hormuz in global energy security and the implications of maritime insecurity on international trade routes.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Energy security: Vulnerability of global oil supply chains to maritime kinetic actions
- Geopolitical friction: Escalation of naval tensions between Iran and Western-aligned maritime interests
Keywords: Maritime security · Energy corridors · Geopolitical friction · Strategic chokepoints
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