Paris, April 4 (ANI): A vessel owned by French logistics giant CMA CGM has become the first Western European ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz since Iran imposed maritime restrictions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, EuroNews reported.
The Maltese-flagged container ship CMA CGM Kribi sailed eastbound from waters off Dubai on Thursday afternoon, according to the report. Ship-tracking data showed the vessel broadcasting its French ownership while navigating an approved corridor between Qeshm and Larak islands along the Iranian coast.
The ship had reportedly been idle in the Gulf since early March, along with several other non-Iranian vessels, after the conflict sharply reduced commercial maritime traffic in the area. CMA CGM, majority-owned by the Saade family, coordinated the transit with Iranian maritime authorities to secure safe passage.
The Kribi is believed to be en route to Pointe-Noire as part of a route linking India, the Gulf, and Africa. EuroNews noted that its successful passage follows earlier transits by Chinese-linked vessels and could indicate a gradual return of international shipping through the vital corridor if conditions remain stable.
Amid the maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by hostile vessels, a senior Iranian legislator suggested Tehran could escalate pressure by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical maritime chokepoint. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, hinted at potential disruption in a series of posts on X, asking rhetorically about the share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertiliser shipments that transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Ghalibaf also questioned which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through that strait, implying Tehran is assessing where leverage would be most impactful.
Meanwhile, following reports of the destruction of military aircraft, US President Trump said the incident would not affect diplomatic talks with Iran, NBC News reported. Dismissing suggestions it would hinder negotiations, he said, “No, not at all. No, it’s war. We’re in war.” He declined to provide details on “search-and-rescue efforts,” citing the sensitivity of the operation, and expressed displeasure with press coverage of the “complex and active military operation.” (ANI)
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