Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Widening US-Iran Conflict Threatens Middle East Oil Shipping Routes
A war involving the United States, Iran and other groups is making important sea routes dangerous.
These routes carry oil from the Middle East to other countries.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after attacks by the United States and Israel.
The Houthi movement has also gained control near the Red Sea and threatened the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
This means ships have fewer safe ways to transport oil.
At least 23 ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz during July and August, according to the article.
Saudi Arabia can use a pipeline toward the Suez Canal, but that route costs more and takes longer to reach Asian buyers.
Experts worry that the disruptions could create a wider energy crisis.
The widening US-Iran conflict has made key Middle Eastern waterways increasingly dangerous for oil exports.
The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted after Iran closed it following US and Israeli attacks.
Houthi forces expanded control around the Red Sea, threatening the Bab al-Mandab Strait and another major oil route.
Saudi Arabian oil exports fell last month to their lowest level in more than 13 years.
Only two Saudi cargoes reportedly passed through Bab al-Mandab last week, while an alternative pipeline route is slower and more expensive.
- Who
- The United States, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the Houthi movement and other regional forces are involved or affected.
- What
- The conflict has disrupted or threatened major waterways used to transport Middle Eastern oil.
- When
- The conflict began on February 28 and was nearing its seventh month; the article also cites attacks during July and August.
- Where
- The main affected routes are the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and routes near Oman and the Suez Canal.
- Why
- Attacks, retaliation and territorial control by opposing forces have made shipping routes unsafe and reduced available alternatives for oil exports.
- Conflict start
- February 28, according to the article
- Strait of Hormuz
- Shipping traffic remains significantly below pre-war levels after Iran closed the waterway
- Ships attacked
- At least 23 ships were attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz during July and August
- Sailors killed
- At least 22 sailors have been killed in the region since the war began
- Saudi oil exports
- Last month’s exports fell to their lowest level in more than 13 years
- Bab al-Mandab traffic
- Only two Saudi cargoes passed through the strait last week, according to Kpler
- Alternative route
- Saudi Arabia can move oil north through a pipeline near the Suez Canal, but the route is more expensive and can lengthen journeys to Asia