Middle East Shipping Industry on Edge as Iran Conflict Escalates

The global shipping industry is on high alert following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, triggering fears of retaliation in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. With the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints—now under increased threat, maritime security officials and governments are urging heightened caution among commercial vessel operators, particularly those affiliated with the U.S. or Israel.

On Sunday, Greece—the nation with the largest share of global oil tanker capacity—issued a formal advisory to shipowners urging them to reconsider any plans to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The advisory, circulated by the Greek shipping ministry and reviewed by Bloomberg, recommended rerouting vessels to nearby safe ports and advised operators to reassess passage plans until regional tensions ease.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a vital corridor through which nearly 20% of the world's oil passes. It’s an area of extreme sensitivity during periods of geopolitical conflict. The U.S. strikes on Iran have ignited concerns that Tehran might use the strait as leverage in response, further destabilizing global energy markets already reeling from price spikes.

Naval forces in the region, including the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), have raised their risk assessments, especially for U.S.-linked vessels navigating the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Persian Gulf. The JMIC warned that American naval and commercial ships face a heightened threat level, urging ship operators to consider rerouting and adopt maximum security protocols during transit.

Adding to the tension, Yemen’s Houthi rebel group issued fresh threats against American interests at sea. Although a ceasefire between the Houthis and the U.S. had been in place since May, the latest developments have strained that fragile truce. Houthi spokespersons declared renewed intentions to target U.S. and allied vessels, raising the specter of a broader conflict across multiple maritime fronts.

The implications are far-reaching. A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, acknowledged that it continues to use the Hormuz route but is monitoring the situation closely and may alter operations if the security outlook deteriorates. Meanwhile, tanker companies across Greece have begun internal assessments. One operator told media outlets they were considering pulling vessels out of the Gulf, while another said they might still risk passage depending on security updates and rate adjustments.

Shipping rates have responded accordingly. Tanker earnings have surged by almost 90% since June 13, when Israel initiated airstrikes on Iranian positions. As the world’s largest shipowning nation, Greece’s cautionary stance adds serious weight to the risk calculus of global operators. Analysts expect further surges in freight rates as risk premiums rise and insurers begin reassessing coverage in the high-risk zones.

The Greek ministry also outlined that any vessels choosing to proceed through Hormuz must operate under the highest security levels and maintain as much distance from Iranian territorial waters as possible. The government’s primary concern is the possibility of Iranian retaliation by way of strait closure or targeted attacks, actions that would disrupt not just oil shipments but also the global economy.

The European Union's naval mission in the region, along with France’s MICA Center, echoed the rising concerns, upgrading their threat levels for vessels linked to the U.S. and Israel. They warned that even non-affiliated ships could become targets as the conflict evolves. Their joint statement noted that while only some vessels are currently at direct risk, this "does not exclude the possibility of all merchant vessels being targeted in the future."

Despite the growing threats, some U.S.-linked vessels have managed to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the attacks, which has been seen as a cautiously optimistic sign. However, security analysts caution that this could change quickly, especially if Iran follows through on parliamentary approvals to restrict the waterway or if additional regional actors join the hostilities.

In this tense environment, the role of maritime coordination centers and naval alliances has become even more critical. Information sharing, real-time threat assessments, and international naval presence are all being ramped up to deter attacks and support the continued flow of commercial goods.

For now, the world watches closely as oil markets, insurance underwriters, and shipping firms brace for the next moves in a geopolitical standoff with vast economic implications. The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint in Middle Eastern geopolitics, and once again, it finds itself at the center of a storm with global repercussions.