Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz reopening proposal on the table

October 21 ------ Iran has reiterated its offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, despite continuing uncertainty surrounding maritime traffic and security in the region.

Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days remains on the table, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Iranian media on 18 October, signaling that Tehran is still prepared to pursue an agreement with Washington despite stalled negotiations. “Our situation is clear and based on the seven-days proposal presented to the US. They shared comments which we are reviewing, but our proposal is still on the table and if there is any honesty on the US part, which there isn’t, the way to reopening the Strait of Hormuz is obvious,” Araqchi said while in Baghdad for a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Reuters reports that Iran’s demands include lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, removing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and ending hostilities across all regional fronts. Araqchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within six days if the US accepted Iran’s conditions, with negotiations resuming on the following day.

However, a key point of disagreement remains the sequencing of talks. The US has insisted on addressing Iran’s nuclear program from the outset, while Tehran maintains that negotiations should initially focus on reopening the strait and restoring security in the waterway.

Tugboat reportedly struck near Khor Fakkan

Maritime security concerns persisted on 18 October, when the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report that a tug travelling south, approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khor Fakkan, had been struck by two unidentified projectiles.

According to the report, the vessel sustained damage but continued its voyage. One minor crew injury was reported. Vanguard Tech reportedly identified the vessel as the Dutch-flagged tug JIF Barracuda. The vessel’s automatic identification system (AIS) signal was last detected on 17 October, when it was under way off Ras Al-Khaimah and heading towards the western entrance of the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported attack occurred east of the strait, approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Khor Fakkan. This places the incident away from much of the recent reported activity associated with suspected Iranian attacks on shipping linked to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, although not entirely outside the broader area of concern.

In recent weeks, suspected Iranian attacks have been reported as far west as Qatar and Al Jubayl, indicating that maritime security concerns have extended beyond the immediate approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran adds 122 vessels to non-compliance list

Alongside the reported security incidents, Iran has tightened its oversight of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The state-run Persian Gulf Authority (PGSA), the Iranian body overseeing the waterway, said on 20 October that it had added 122 vessels to its “non-compliance list” since May. More than 40 vessels had been “confronted”, according to the authority, which added that ships could be removed from the list if they began complying with its requirements.

“So far, 122 vessels have been added to the Persian Gulf Waterway Management Non-Compliance List,” the PGSA said, adding that “more than 40 vessels have been confronted.”

Iran established the authority in May to regulate transit through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing its control over vessel movements through one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages. The latest figures highlight the regulatory challenges facing shipowners and operators navigating the waterway as negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain unresolved.

Aqaba benefits as traders seek alternative routes

While shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, Jordan’s Port of Aqaba has experienced an increase in transit cargo as traders seek alternative routes to move goods into regional markets.

According to port officials and terminal data, the conflict between the United States and Iran has largely shut down commercial traffic through the strait, prompting businesses to explore alternative transport corridors, including routes through Syria. Aqaba has also benefited from the shift.

Container volumes at Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) have increased by approximately 5%, according to Angshuman Mustafi, the terminal’s chief commercial officer. He attributed the growth to higher volumes moving into the wider Levant region, particularly Iraq.

The increase has raised hopes that Aqaba could establish a more lasting role in regional supply chains, rather than serving solely as a temporary alternative during the current crisis. Mashhoor Al Jazy, spokesperson for the Jordan Shipping Association, said he hoped the additional traffic would continue beyond the immediate disruption.

Source: safety4sea.com