Iran–US–Israel War Escalation Raises Concerns Over Global Shipping Routes
Heightened military tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have sharply increased threats to international shipping, triggering fresh concerns across global maritime and trade sectors.
The escalation, marked by reciprocal military actions and expanded naval deployments, has intensified security risks along strategic sea lanes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments and commercial cargo.
Maritime security agencies have issued advisories warning shipping operators of potential missile, drone and naval incidents that could disrupt vessel movements. Industry sources indicate that several shipping lines are reviewing their routes, while insurers are reassessing risk exposure in the region amid growing uncertainty.
Before reported US strikes, Israel announced it had conducted “preventative” attacks on Iran. Iran subsequently launched a series of missile strikes targeting Israel. Reports also indicate that Iran targeted Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and carried out attacks on US air bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The widening confrontation poses risks to vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Northern Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz. Security analysts warn that electronic interference may worsen, potentially disrupting the Automated Identification System (AIS) and other navigational and communication systems used by vessels in the region.
Although it remains unclear whether commercial vessels will be directly targeted, experts caution that collateral damage from strikes on port infrastructure remains a realistic possibility.
Industry analysts warn that prolonged disruption could affect global energy supplies, freight rates and insurance premiums, with ripple effects across international trade and commodity markets.
Reacting to the development, retired ship captain and maritime consultant Ade Olopoenia said de-escalation would be critical to stabilising oil exports from Iran and Iraq and preventing further cost spikes.
He noted that both countries export significant volumes of crude oil and refined petroleum products to global markets, adding that continued tensions could drive up the cost of shipping as well as crude and refined product prices.
Olopoenia warned that many shipping operators would avoid war-risk zones for fear of being caught in crossfire, stressing that any vessel operating in the Persian Gulf under current conditions would incur significantly higher operational and insurance costs.
Stakeholders across the maritime and energy sectors continue to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation remain uncertain.
