Tensions between Washington and Tehran could disrupt the flights, shipping and fuel supplies, as well as regional travel
Dubai: There was an escalation in the standoff between the US and Iran as Tehran prepared to impose a new “exclusion zone” near Hormuz, another potential flashpoint in the row over American military presence in the region
Residents of the UAE should not expect any significant disruption to air travel, while shipping and transportation of goods could see increased costs, unless there is an incident in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a major artery of international trade
Here’s a summary of the latest events
Iran to impose new ban in Hormuz
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei said on Monday that his country would soon declare an “exclusion zone” around the Strait of Hormuz
The area would be blocked for “all foreign ships that want to pass through this strategic waterway
Tehran warned that all vessels that attempt to enter this zone could be placed on a sanctions list
The move followed the US attack on three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for Iran’s ballistic missile strikes on American warships
Vessels blacklisted by Iran
Iran added 11 more ships to its list of blacklisted ones, taking the total number of vessels to 56
Among those placed on the list are tankers carrying crude oil, LNG tankers, LPG tankers, and carriers of clean petroleum products
In addition to the 56 vessels subject to Iranian sanctions, other ships could also be placed on the list if they provide “assistance such as transshipment of cargo to the blacklisted vessels
16 Sailors of Saudi vessel rescued
Oman’s navy rescued 16 crew members of the Saudi tanker SIDR, which was attacked last week in the Hormuz Strait.
The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) aided the 25-member crew of the vessel and took 16 sailors to the hospital, reports Gulf News
Two crew members were killed during the attack.
What residents of the UAE should know about the situation:
Flights: Possible disruptions to flights in the short term due to changing security and traffic conditions. Delays and cancellations are possible, as well as deviations from the planned routes
Fuel: Disruptions to fuel supplies to the UAE may lead to rising prices on the local market
Travel: Trips in the region face potential disruptions
Goods: Increased costs to deliver goods to the UAE.
What passengers need to know:
Double-check the status of your flight with the airline before heading to the airport, even if you have already booked a flight. Only trust information from the airline and local authorities. In addition, be prepared for delays and cancellations, and plan extra travel time in case of unexpected changes. If possible, complete the online check-in procedure in advance.