WAR impacts

[James48843]

The suspension of traffic at the Strait of Hormuz is now impacting food production worldwide . About a third of nitrogen fertilizer (Urea, and Ammonia) is manufactured in the Gulf.

Urea fertilizer prices per ton are now at record highs, up 52% since a year ago. This will have major impacts on farmers everywhere.

More:

Middle East Tensions Raise Spring Planting Concerns

www.fb.org

 

[James48843]

This morning Departments of Defense said the Iranians were mining the Strait of Hormuz.
They also said we’ve sunk a lot of Iran’s mine ships.

Well, it turns out we have ZERO minesweepers left in the Gulf region. We removed the last four U.S. Minesweepers last year.

It might be more difficult to remove those mines. If Iran’s navy is sunk, and if our Navy has no minesweepers left, what other tools do we have to clear sea mines?

Do we have helicopters or drones that can clear mines?

(Link to story of Minesweepers being withdrawn) :

US Navy decommissioned its dedicated minesweepers in Persian Gulf last year​

Iran Has Hundreds of Naval Mines. U.S. Navy Minesweepers Find Old Dishwashers and Car Parts.

As tensions heat up in the Persian Gulf, the Navy’s minesweeping fleet may once again be called into action, but its sailors say the ships are too old and broken to do the job. “We are essentially the ships that the Navy forgot.”

www.propublica.org

It turns out the last four U.S. Navy Minesweepers in the Gulf were decommissioned last September, and moved by transport ship to the junkyard in January this year.

 

[James48843]

The USA now depends on Minesweepong capabilities of other NATO nations, having retired as scrap our last Minesweeper ships in the Gulf in January. Navy wide just two are left, both in Japan.


Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, Spain, and the UK.

These forces participate in Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups (SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2. They currently are deployed in operations in the Baltic, as well as the North Atlantic, and the Black Sea.

France announced yesterday it will be sending some of its Minesweepers to the Gulf to protect commercial traffic.

 

[James48843]

Well, it looks like SOMEONE struck two ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz overnight. I saw a total of about 20 ships sail into the danger area after dark last night, and turn off their AIS reporting to try and blow past the Iranians in the dark.

This morning the United Kingdom Maritime Organization, who tracks these things, says two ships - both cargo ships, were hit, one is burning.

I guess that should deter some ship captains from trying that.

It looks like Chinese ships ARE going through without issue.

The reports don’t identify what the nationality of the cargo ships is- but I think I know who at least one of them is.

Here are the Uk Maritime reports:

• Attack UKMTO #28082037​

  • 
    11 March 2026
    UKMTO WARNING 020-26 - ATTACK Report Date: 11 Mar 2026 Report Time: 0205UTC Issue Date: 11 Mar 2026 Source: Master UKMTO has received a report of an incident 50NM northwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Master of a Bulk Carrier has reported their vessel being hit by an unknown projectile. There is no report of any environmental impact. The crew are reported safe and well. Authorities are investigating. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

• ​

  • 
    11 March 2026
    UKMTO WARNING 019-26 - ATTACK Report Date:11 Mar 2026 Report Time:0435UTC Issue Date: 11 Mar 2026 Source: Company Security Officer UKMTO has received a report of an incident 11NM north of Oman in the Straits of Hormuz. It has been reported that a cargo vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile in the Straits of Hormuz which has resulted in a fire onboard. The vessel has requested assistance and the crew are evacuating the vessel. Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO while authorities continue to investigate.