Rising hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran have sparked concerns among global investors and maritime stakeholders over the operational status of key regional gateways, including Iran’s Chabahar Port, Israel’s Port of Haifa, and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28 reportedly targeted multiple sites in Iran, with explosions also reported in the southeastern port city of Chabahar. The developments have intensified fears of potential disruption to maritime trade routes in the Gulf region. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks, including strikes aimed at Israeli cities such as Haifa, bringing one of Israel’s largest commercial ports into focus.
Chabahar Port, owned by the Iranian government, hosts operations managed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a state-owned Indian entity that operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal. According to earlier reports, Israeli strikes in and around Chabahar did not hit the India-funded freight terminal. The port is strategically important for India as it provides a vital trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and forms part of broader connectivity initiatives linking India with Central Asia and Europe.
The United States had earlier granted a special sanctions waiver for Chabahar, recognising its role in supporting Afghanistan’s development and regional connectivity. However, the waiver is set to expire in April 2026, adding to uncertainty over the port’s long-term operational environment amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
Meanwhile, the Port of Haifa, operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, remains fully operational, according to a statement issued by the company. “Haifa Port Company confirms that all its employees are safe, and all port assets and infrastructure are fully secure and in operational condition,” the statement said. The company added that it is closely coordinating with Israel’s Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and continuing operations as per official instructions. It did not clarify whether any Iranian missiles or drones directly targeted port infrastructure.
Despite assurances, investor sentiment reflected caution, with shares of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone falling nearly 4% during intra-day trading.
Shipping companies and energy markets are also closely monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint. Any disruption in the narrow waterway could significantly impact global energy supplies, freight rates, and marine insurance costs.
For now, both Chabahar and Haifa ports remain operational, but the evolving conflict continues to cast uncertainty over regional trade flows and maritime stability.