Bahrain activated nationwide warning sirens early Friday and urged residents to seek shelter after detecting incoming fire, as the United States completed its 13th consecutive night of military strikes against Iran. The latest escalation has intensified concerns over the security of two of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints—the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—raising fresh risks for global shipping, energy supplies, and international trade.
The Gulf conflict continued to widen beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claiming responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The group also threatened to target vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden through which nearly 12% of global trade and around one-quarter of the world’s container traffic passes en route between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal.
The deteriorating security environment pushed Brent crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, reflecting growing fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.
Fresh Strikes Across Iran
Explosions were reported on Iran’s Qeshm Island, home to important naval assets including drone boats, along with strikes near Andimeshk, Omidiyeh, and Firuzabad. Iranian state media reported that a US missile strike on the outskirts of Ahvaz, along the Karun River, killed four people and injured five others.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest military operations were intended to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting regional waters.” According to CENTCOM, the overnight strikes concluded shortly before 5 a.m. local time on Friday.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Amid the escalating conflict, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Tehran, calling for restraint and dialogue. His office said Iraq would not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Iran, reflecting Baghdad’s effort to balance its close ties with both Washington and Tehran.
Shipping Faces Pressure on Two Fronts
The Houthi threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has added another layer of uncertainty for global shipping. According to maritime intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, attacks on Saudi oil tankers could significantly disrupt crude exports from Yanbu Port on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
Saudi Arabia has already diverted millions of barrels of crude per day to Yanbu through its East-West pipeline to bypass the increasingly volatile Strait of Hormuz. However, renewed attacks in the Red Sea now threaten that alternative export corridor as well, creating what analysts describe as a “double whammy” for regional energy logistics.
US President Donald Trump warned that the Houthis would face “major military punishment” if attacks on commercial shipping continue.
Dispute Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran has reiterated that it has the right to regulate vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz and has suggested it could impose transit fees. The country has also continued targeting vessels using the internationally monitored shipping lane overseen by US-led naval forces.
President Trump further stated that frozen Iranian assets held by the United States could be used to compensate owners of ships and cargo damaged during the conflict. He said the funds would cover repairs for affected vessels and cargo, although the legal basis for accessing the assets remains unclear.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly rejected the proposal, warning that normalizing the confiscation of sovereign assets would undermine global financial stability and international trust.
Maritime Industry on High Alert
With Bahrain activating emergency warning systems, military operations continuing across Iran, and threats now extending to both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the conflict is placing unprecedented pressure on two of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
The evolving security situation is expected to keep shipping companies, energy markets, insurers, and global supply chains on heightened alert as the risk of further disruption continues to grow.
