Middle East Conflict Expands as Hormuz, Red Sea Shipping Routes Face Growing Pressure
According to the reports, the USA has reduced the amount of air defence protection for tankers travelling via the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping via this crucial energy passage has declined significantly.
On the other hand, Iran-supported Houthi militants are increasing their control over the Red Sea coast of Yemen, and capturing Perim Island located close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia had to stop using the East-West oil pipeline due to repeated drone attacks. It was used as an important alternate shipping route to send crude oil when the passage via Hormuz was interrupted.
The thing that really impressed me is how quickly the regional conflict can start influencing global commerce. The Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are not only geographic locations; they are important passageways for energy and shipping globally.
And if this situation continues, there will be much more serious consequences than those in the Middle East region.