Russia warns of a possible oil shortage due to the closure of Strait of Hormuz
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the closing of 'the Strait of Hormuz' to shipping would lead to "significant imbalances" in a global oil and gas market. Trading sources reported on Saturday that a number of tanker owners, major oil companies and trading houses had suspended crude oil, fuel, and liquefied gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following the U.S. and Israel's attacks against Iran.
Hormuz is the route through which?20% global oil from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, and Iran passes, along with large quantities of liquefied natural gas from Qatar.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the news of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, as well as those of his family members and high-ranking Iranian officials in Russia was met with deep regret and resentment.
The fall of Khamenei is a challenge for Moscow. However, it has not shown much interest in challenging Donald Trump, President of the United States, over Iran. It has also been more successful than the West predicted in negotiations with Syria's newly elected rulers.
The Russian Federation condemned the practice of assassinating and hunting leaders of sovereign countries, which violated international law and contradicted the basic principles of civilized relations between states.
The ministry also called for an urgent de-escalation and to end the fighting, as well as a return to diplomatic and political efforts. (Reporting and editing by Guy Faulconbridge; reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin)
(source: Reuters)
