Iran-US Confrontation Threatens Global Maritime Trade

The escalating tensions between Iran and the US are causing growing concerns for global maritime trade. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, have already led to a significant decrease in oil flows. According to independent tracking, only about 330 million barrels of non-Iranian oil has exited the region since July 8.

Despite efforts by alternative pipeline routes, such as Fujairah and Yanbu, to compensate for the losses, their capacity is under growing pressure. The East-West pipeline in Saudi Arabia, which carries almost four percent of global oil through Yanbu, has come under attack from Iran-backed Iraqi militias, disrupting significant oil flows to Asia and Europe.

The situation has been further complicated by Ansarullah (Houthis), who have expanded their operations along Yemen's Red Sea coast. This has strengthened their ability to threaten Saudi shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi factor also brings Iran into the calculation, although the group is not under Iranian control.

Pakistan's former ambassador to Iran, Asif Durrani, notes that 'Iranian assistance does not necessarily mean that Tehran exercises control over the Houthis.' He emphasizes that the Houthis retain considerable operational autonomy and that Iran's support serves its strategic interests.