International concern grows as USIsraeli assault on Iran sparks Strait of Hormuz crisis
International concern grows as US–Israeli assault on Iran sparks Strait of Hormuz crisis
TEHRAN – International reactions continue to mount following the deepening crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, as governments, energy markets and shipping industries grapple with the fallout from the US–Israeli war on Iran.
Even before Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) formally stated on Wednesday that the strategic waterway was under its “full control,” global alarm had been building over the rapid deterioration of security in one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
Nearly a fifth of global oil supplies transit the narrow passage, making any disruption there an immediate global concern.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, shipping activity has slowed sharply, insurance premiums have surged, and major carriers have either suspended voyages or delayed entry into the Persian Gulf. Clarksons Research estimates that over 3,000 vessels are currently idle in the Persian Gulf region, representing roughly four percent of global ship tonnage, while about 500 ships are waiting outside the Persian Gulf near ports off the UAE and Oman. The scale of disruption underscores how quickly the conflict has reverberated through global supply chains.
On Wednesday, the IRGC announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy, declaring it “impossible for any ships to pass through” and reporting that multiple oil tankers had been targeted.
Iranian officials have framed the move as a defensive measure necessitated by sustained American and Israeli military operations against Iranian territory. Tehran has repeatedly warned in the past that external military aggression would carry strategic consequences for regional waterways, and officials now argue that those warnings have materialized as a direct result of escalation by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Energy markets reacted swiftly. Brent crude prices climbed above $80 per barrel, marking their highest level since July 2024 and rising more than 13 percent since the conflict began.
Analysts widely attribute the surge not to isolated maritime tensions, but to the broader instability generated by the expanding war. Market observers note that when a major regional power is subjected to sustained military pressure, the economic consequences inevitably extend beyond national borders.
China, one of the largest importers of Middle Eastern oil, called for the protection of commercial vessels and urged all parties to exercise restraint. Beijing emphasized that freedom of navigation and regional stability are inseparable from global economic security. While avoiding direct alignment with any party, China’s statements reflect concern that military escalation is jeopardizing international energy supplies.
In Europe, Greece, whose shipping fleet is among the largest in the world, described the situation in the Strait as alarming. Greek officials expressed concern for crews and vessels affected by the disruption, highlighting the human dimension of a crisis that is often measured primarily in oil prices and tonnage statistics. European policymakers have broadly called for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement, wary that further militarization of the waterway could deepen instability.
Across parts of Asia, Africa and Latin America, criticism of the US–Israeli campaign has been more direct. Several governments have described the war as a destabilizing intervention that risks violating international norms and undermining regional peace. Commentators in these regions have linked the current crisis to a broader pattern of Western military involvement in the Middle East, arguing that such actions have repeatedly produced long-term instability with global repercussions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that the US Navy would begin escorting tankers through the Strait “as soon as possible,” pledging to ensure the free flow of energy worldwide and emphasizing American military and economic strength. The statement signaled Washington’s readiness to deepen its direct involvement in the maritime theater. However, analysts caution that additional naval deployments in an already volatile environment could heighten the risk of confrontation rather than resolve the crisis.
Regional states are already adjusting to the new reality. Pakistan has sought alternative routes for oil imports, requesting Saudi Arabia to facilitate shipments through the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Hormuz transit was disrupted. Saudi officials have indicated readiness to assist in meeting Pakistan’s emergency energy needs. Such moves illustrate how countries dependent on Persian Gulf energy supplies are scrambling to adapt to a conflict whose consequences extend far beyond the immediate battlefield.
The unfolding situation in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates how rapidly a military confrontation can transform into a global economic shock. As oil prices climb, ships remain stalled, and naval forces reposition, the crisis is increasingly viewed not as an isolated maritime dispute but as a direct outcome of escalating hostilities. Whether diplomatic channels can be revived or further military measures will prevail may determine not only the future of the Strait, but the stability of global energy markets in the months ahead.
source: tehrantimes.com