Malaysia To Contact Iran For Route Through Strait Of Hormuz Remain Open
GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will contact his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, to request that the crucial oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export route through the Strait of Hormuz remain open.
He said that if the strait were to be closed, it could disrupt oil trade routes from the Middle East, leading to a global oil shortage and pushing up prices in the international market.
'There are rumours that Iran may close the supply route in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as the gateway to the Iran-Oman border, a move that could potentially affect the global oil supply chain.
'This will cause serious complications for the world because a lot of oil supplies come from that area, especially from Iran and Qatar, so we hope that this will not be done and I will try to contact my Iranian counterpart, Araghchi, tonight or tomorrow, to think about it,' he told reporters after opening the Cheras UMNO Delegates' Meeting here today.
He said that while Malaysia understands Iran's current position and the tense situation it faces, the country also bears a responsibility to the international community and the smooth flow of global trade.
The global market, he added, is closely watching developments in the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concerns that the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran could disrupt shipping traffic through the narrow and strategic passage.
According to a report by Anadolu Agency, the Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a vital sea route, with about a third of global oil trade, or 17 to 20 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, passing through it every day.
About 70 per cent of that amount was sent to Asia, including China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Pakistan and the Philippines, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Meanwhile, Mohamad said the Foreign Ministry had issued a statement asking Malaysians in Iran, Iraq and Jordan to contact the Malaysian embassy in the respective country.
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