Strait of Hormuz largely blocked as US–Iran conflict enters fifth month
Nearly complete stoppage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, amid renewed rocket exchanges between the United States and Iran, is increasing pressure on global energy supplies.
Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz remain almost entirely halted as the five-month conflict between the United States and Iran continues with no immediate sign of de‑escalation. During the day both countries again exchanged rocket strikes, further denting hopes for a rapid end to hostilities.
Regional spillover raises new threats to shipping
The closure of this strategic waterway — through which, in peacetime, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments transit — is already producing significant disruption across global energy markets and trade routes.
Diplomats continue to place reopening the strait at the centre of negotiation efforts, but renewed attacks and reciprocal strikes have made a swift resolution more uncertain and increased market volatility.
Tensions have also spread elsewhere in the region. Saudi Arabia has accused Iraqi militias of launching drone strikes against its oil infrastructure, while Yemeni Houthi forces said they carried out separate attacks on Saudi energy facilities and announced a blockade of Saudi maritime traffic through the Bab el‑Mandeb strait, compounding risks to Middle Eastern trade corridors.
Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could force shipping to reroute, raise insurance and transport costs, and push further pressure onto global energy supplies and prices, with knock‑on effects for importers and consumers worldwide.
Photo: press material from the event
