'We are at the edge of a battlefield': BBC reports near Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran in March 2026, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it has "complete control" of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. This statement follows threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy the navy to escort tankers through the strait. The conflict has disrupted global supply chains, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to shipping and grounding air cargo in the Middle East. Reports indicate some tankers are attempting to navigate the strait, with one tanker reportedly switching off its tracking system while passing through. Shipping data suggests a significant number of ships are currently idle in the Gulf region due to the disruptions.

For the past four days, Iran has effectively halted oil and gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a significant drop in maritime traffic. This disruption follows reported attacks on at least four tankers and warnings from an Iranian military official threatening further attacks on ships attempting to pass through the strait. In response, the US Central Command has engaged in a sustained campaign targeting Iran's navy, claiming to have sunk or crippled all 11 of its ships operating in the Gulf of Oman. The US military's efforts also include securing southern Iran, controlling maritime routes and airspace, and preventing Iran from mining the shipping lanes. The recent incidents at sea occurred near Sharjah in the UAE, prompting key maritime insurers to cancel coverage.

The Strait of Hormuz region experienced a surge in maritime incidents on Sunday following reported U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Multiple vessels in the Persian Gulf, near the UAE and Oman, were reportedly attacked by unknown projectiles, causing explosions and fires. Simultaneously, electronic warfare activity, including GPS and AIS jamming, disrupted navigation for over 1,000 ships, particularly near Iranian ports. Maritime authorities had previously warned commercial vessels to avoid the area due to heightened security risks. Shipping companies, like Maersk, are rerouting services to avoid the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil and gas exports, and the disruptions have raised concerns about maritime safety and energy security.

Following a US-Israel attack on Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil, LNG, and fertilizer trade, has been disrupted. This disruption raises concerns about potential cost-of-living pressures worldwide. The Strait is a key chokepoint, with a significant percentage of global seaborne oil, LNG, and urea passing through it. While oil prices initially surged, investors appear cautiously optimistic that the disruption will be temporary, though experts acknowledge the risk of a complete closure of the Strait. The situation's impact on global markets and economies remains uncertain, contingent on Iran's response and the duration of the disruption.

Oil prices sharply increased following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, reaching levels not seen since January 2025. Brent crude, a global benchmark, rose as much as 14% to over US$82 per barrel. The price surge was triggered by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route connecting the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Shipowners and traders are largely avoiding the Strait, which typically handles approximately 20% of global crude supplies. The disruption to this key oil transit route is the primary driver behind the significant price increase.