The Titanic sinking in the Strait of Hormuz

The attention of the entire world is directed towards the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under Iranian control. The effects and consequences of the closure of this narrow 33-kilometer waterway on the global economy can be assessed by the fact that oil prices in the global market have surged by more than $100 per barrel after merely a few days of closure. More than 20 percent of the world’s daily oil consumption passes through this channel. As per international media reports, the global oil market has become uncertain due to Iran’s attacks and threats against the energy infrastructure in the region. During the latest trading session, the price of Brent Crude, the global standard for crude oil, has risen by about 3 percent, exceeding $103 per barrel. Similarly, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the American standard, has also increased by around 3 percent to $96 per barrel. An increase in gasoline prices has also been observed in the United States. According to the American Automobile Association, the average national price of gasoline has risen by 7 cents to $3.79 per gallon. The world is left to wonder what will happen next as the ongoing Gulf War escalates and its impact on the global economy unfolds. Global political and economic analysts are also questioning what the outcome of this war will be, when it will conclude, and how long it will take to recover from its effects.

Iran is augmenting its mine deployment in the Strait of Hormuz and is only allowing oil tankers from nations with which it has positive relations or has consented to its conditions. So far, only Pakistan and France have been authorized to transit through the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump appears to be rather apprehensive about Iran’s military tactics aimed at regaining control of this waterway from Iranian influence. Presently, the US is significantly dependent on the outcome of the conflict regarding the liberation of the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control.

Over the past few days, the US President has asked his European allies to send ships to free the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control, but he was met with considerable disappointment. Trump appeared quite irritated by this recent incident involving Iran, and before waiting for responses from European and NATO nations, he also implored China and Russia to send their naval ships to the Persian Gulf to assist in opening the Strait of Hormuz. The US never expected to hear a refusal from the entire world, resulting in a significant level of humiliation. Major powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Australia, Canada, Italy, China, and Russia all firmly declined, further humiliating the US, which had seen itself as a superpower acting independently, by responding with a resounding “Absolutely Not.” This is the first time the US has faced such widespread humiliation.

For an extended period, America has exerted its influence over the world with the backing of its European allies. However, today, one by one, they have not only distanced themselves from America but are also publicly shaming it. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked, “Opening the Strait of Hormuz is a complex task, and we will need to negotiate with Iran to achieve this.” Germany has outright declined to participate in the conflict with Iran, with the German Defense Minister stating, “This is not our war, nor did we instigate it. In spite of ‘American pressure,” Germany will not deploy its fleet to the Middle East.” French General Yakov Leff provided a candid response to America, highlighting the potential for American defeat in the conflict, stating, “America seeks our assistance and expects us to finance its shortcomings. Aligning with Trump’s coalition today is akin to purchasing dinner and dance tickets on the Titanic the night after it struck an iceberg.”

The release of the Strait of Hormuz from Iran represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing war between Iran, Israel, and the US, which will ultimately influence the victor of this conflict. The European nations have unmistakably turned their backs on America during this war, prompting the US President to voice his displeasure. Trump remarked to NATO allies, “You will be in a dire situation.”

The British Prime Minister directly insulted Trump, to which Trump responded, “We will remember.” The US President sought naval warships to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, but everyone declined his request. Times have shifted for America. US President Trump has wrapped himself in this war agenda, without consulting anyone, merely to secure Netanyahu’s approval, which he has now claimed as his own.

The United States initiated this conflict, and it will face repercussions. American military bases, once regarded as a source of intimidation globally, are now being decommissioned systematically. No nation is willing to offer its land to the United States. American diplomatic missions are being shut down in allied nations. Only individuals opposed to the war—specifically, those against the United States, Israel, or those permitted by Iran—are allowed to traverse the Strait of Hormuz.

Misguided by Israel, the United States unnecessarily waged war on Iran, resulting in the loss of all its loyal allies. After failing to locate a naval fleet, Donald Trump stated to comfort himself, “Those whose ships are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz need to free them themselves; America is not lacking in oil.” It seems that the great Titanic of American supremacy is slowly sinking in the Strait of Hormuz.

This column is translation of آبنائے ہرمز میں ڈوبتا ٹائیٹینک

Aagha Jahangir Bukhari