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Why Asean neutrality in Iran war is key to unlocking Strait of Hormuz
Granting Southeast Asian vessels safe passage through the strait allows Iran to come across as a diplomatic good guy, analysts say
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Asean’s neutrality in the Iran conflict is key to granting access to the coveted Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran likely seeking to win global opinion amid its war with the United States and Israel.
Amid boiling tensions in the Gulf, Iran has wielded its control of the strategic channel to choke global oil supplies, especially to the US and its allies. Many countries – including those from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – have turned to diplomatic efforts to secure safe passage for their supply tankers.
This week, two Indonesian vessels – Pertamina Pride and Gamsunoro – left the strait after receiving approval from Iranian authorities. The outcome follows diplomatic efforts by Jakarta to negotiate the smooth sailing of tankers carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia.
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Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs spokesman Vahd Nabyl Achmad Mulachela said communication with Iran had been established since the situation first escalated.
The vessels and their cargo were critical in maintaining Indonesia’s national energy security, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry spokeswoman Dwi Anggia.
“The Energy Ministry is coordinating intensively with the Foreign Ministry to ensure that Indonesian vessels can transit the Strait of Hormuz safely and smoothly,” Dwi said in a statement on Sunday.
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