Although the cease-fire has not allowed Iran to re-open Strait of Hormuz, the closure has resulted in disruption in global supply chain. The absence of any nuclear agreement between the USA and Iran made the suspense even higher about the future of this route. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates built a roadway linking their countries. Via the route they are shipping their Hormuz based supplies worldwide through Red Sea.According to the Wall Street Journal, 3,500 cargo trucks travel daily across the desert to operate the alternate route. Trucks transport commodities from the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia across Oman, then transferring the same to the ships in Gulf of Oman and to the Suez Canal.How the route is working?According to the report, following shipment collection from United Arab Emirates ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, the trucks take The Oman Interlink towards the Red Sea ports of Saudi Arabia. Then the items are dispatched to their final destination via ships. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman also use the route by sending their trucks via this pathway.Approximately 3,500 trucks use the route daily, and the trucks are mainly transporting commodities including food and agricultural goods. Experts said that, though at the moment the route is costly it is entirely secure.Stall in Gulf tradeThe Strait of Hormuz has caused great deal of obstruction in trade between Gulf countries. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE were selling their oil and gas through Strait of Hormuz. This has greatly disturbed the supply chain. Although Saudi Arabia had sold some oil via a pipeline, it did affect their revenues.25 percent of global oil and gas is sent via the Strait of Hormuz. But it has remained shut for two months, since war broke out with Iran. The three island state control the 34 kilometer-wide sea route. To keep the Strait of Hormuz under control, Iran had posted many strategically important military installations.
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