The 2026 Iran war and the resulting closure of the Strait of
Hormuz, at least to all whom Iran deems as enemies, has led to what
the International Energy Agency is calling “the largest
supply disruption in the history of the global oil
market”. The operational impact on the maritime sector
has been immediate, complex, and in many cases unprecedented.
Merchant vessels operating in or near the Persian Gulf have
faced heightened threats, including attacks and security incidents
that have resulted in loss of life and severe disruption to
commercial schedules. A number of ships remain effectively
immobilised at Persian Gulf ports as they await clarity on when
they can proceed safely. Ships positioned outside the Strait but
chartered for load or discharge operations within the Gulf are
seeking guidance on whether they are legally entitled to refuse
orders requiring them to enter the conflict zone.
