US strikes kept Iran’s fishermen off Hormuz. They can no longer afford to stay idle
Aboard his boat moored along the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian fisherman Mohammad Amin mended a torn fishing net after a long day in waters that have long sustained his livelihood, but are now shadowed by the threat of death. It has been less than a month since the 47-year-old resumed his routine of waking before dawn, heading out to sea and returning hours later with the day’s catch – a routine he…
Iranian fishermen face a dire situation as they struggle to survive the economic impacts of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. Mohammad Amin, a 47-year-old fisherman, had to put his routine on hold for months while the United States and Iran battled over the strategic waterway. During that time, Amin exhausted his savings and feared his small boat would be destroyed.
The waterfront in Bandar Abbas was hit repeatedly during the fighting, with nearly 20 fishermen killed and 17 others missing. Now, with the fighting easing, Amin and others are returning to sea, but they face numerous challenges. The strait has been under Iranian control since the war began, and Iran insists it will maintain control, requiring vessels to receive permission and pay transit service fees, a demand opposed by the United States and other regional countries.
While diplomats continue negotiations, the fishermen's primary concern is whether they will be able to earn a living again. Many have lost their fishing equipment and boats, and repair work is becoming more frequent due to war debris and wreckage in the sea. Despite the uncertainty, fishermen like Hossein, who returned to sea as soon as the fighting eased, say they have no choice but to work, as they need the income to support their families.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
