The strait is the world’s most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
An aerial view Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates in the strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. Photo: Reuters
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The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said Iran had not formally confirmed any such order.
Tehran has for years threatened to block the narrow waterway in retaliation for any attack on the Islamic Republic.
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Fourteen LNG tankers have shown signs of slowing down, U-turning or stopping in or around the Strait, said Laura Page from consultancy Kpler, who added the number will likely rise, posing risks to Qatari LNG exports.