Gulf States Consider Alternative Supply Routes in Wake of Strait of Hormuz Closure

Moscow (ANTARA) - Gulf states are likely considering alternative supply routes, including the construction of pipelines, due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the Financial Times on Friday (27/3), citing a diplomat from one of the regional countries whose name was kept anonymous.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh had previously stated that Tehran is developing a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz that will apply after the conflict ends, where Iran plans to cooperate with Oman.

“Gulf states will seek alternatives, such as building pipelines,” the diplomat said in response to the possibility of strict transit rules for the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, as quoted by the Financial Times.

On 28 February, the United States (US) and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, which caused damage and civilian casualties. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East as a form of self-defence.

The increased tensions around Iran have led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf states to global markets.

That situation has also impacted export levels and oil production in the region, thereby driving a surge in prices.

Source: Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA