Middle East Tensions Slowing Down Global Shipping

Shipping through key maritime chokepoints has slowed down due to renewed security concerns in the Middle East. According to Kpler, vessel traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to its lowest levels in months.

The attacks on Saudi Aramco oil facilities by Houthi forces have added uncertainty to Red Sea shipping routes, prompting operators to reassess transit schedules and security risks. The Red Sea is one of the world's busiest energy corridors, making any disruption closely watched by global oil markets.

Despite the ongoing maritime disruptions, Iraq's oil exports continue to move through the Strait of Hormuz. Two Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) carrying Iraqi and Emirati crude successfully transited the strategic waterway on Friday as part of outbound shipments from the Gulf.