Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz—where nearly 20% of global oil and over 30% of seaborne crude pass—carries serious weight. It’s also critical for LNG and container trade, connecting Gulf ports like Jebel Ali to Europe, Asia, and East Africa.
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Major freight carriers are already rerouting around the Red Sea and Gulf, creating a “de facto slowdown” as ships delay or divert to avoid missile threats. Ambrey and other maritime security firms urge operators to adopt defensive protocols and flag Israel-linked cargo, while war insurance costs and port congestion climb.
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Though commercial traffic continues, Iran has warned that any U.S., UK, or French involvement could lead to attacks on Western naval assets—further threatening safe passage.
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A prolonged disruption would not just spike oil and shipping prices, but also strain global supply chains. During the 1980s “Tanker War,” similar disruptions triggered sustained market volatility. A full closure today could unleash stagflationary shocks across energy-importing economies.