The UK Maritime Trade Operations authority noted that 22 attacks on merchant ships and tankers have been recorded in the area encompassing the Arabian Gulf, the Strait itself, and the Gulf of Oman, reflecting an escalation that keeps the world’s leading energy waterway under high tension.

Although some ships continue to navigate through narrow corridors controlled by Iran or routes near Oman, the limited use of regular channels is likely to increase navigational risks.

The tanker industry warns that even after the end of the war waged by the United States and Israel on Iran, there will be no return to the previous situation.

“It is a bit naive to say that, after this has ended, things will go back to pre-war situations,” Jotaro Tamura, an executive at Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines shipping company, affirmed.

The impact also extends to operating costs, particularly for fuel and logistics.

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