SHIPS ARE REFUSING AMERICA’S HORMUZ ESCORT SERVICE AND THE US NAVY IS WATCHING ALONE
Commercial vessels are turning down US military guidance through the Strait of Hormuz. The southern route that America insists is open has been effectively abandoned. Only a handful of ships are using it. Some have turned back after entering.
Iran controls the northern route. The US controls the southern route. Ships are choosing Iran.
America promised to guide vessels safely through. It called it Project Freedom. It deployed 15,000 personnel and 100 aircraft. It warned Iran that any interference would trigger a forceful response.
The ships are not coming.
Two UAE tankers were hit by projectiles recently while transiting the southern route. One seafarer was killed. The US military advised neutral vessels to leave Iranian ports immediately or face interdiction and seizure.
America’s allies are not helping. Germany said no. Britain said no. France refused. The EU said nobody is ready to put their people in harm’s way. Even Japan and South Korea said no.
Trump demanded reimbursement for protection. He wants 20 percent of cargo value. Iran responded with sarcasm. “Twenty percent is too much. We will be fair.”
America says it is the guardian of the strait. Ships are not buying it.
SHIPS ARE REFUSING AMERICA’S HORMUZ ESCORT SERVICE AND THE US NAVY IS WATCHING ALONE
