Overview

• The UK Maritime Trade Operations advised vessels to transit the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz with caution due to rising regional tensions.
• The United States and Iran are set to hold talks this week on Iran’s nuclear programme, and Washington has threatened force if negotiations collapse.
• Iranian officials have warned they could strike US military bases in the Middle East in retaliation to any attack.
• British security firm Ambrey assessed that Israel-affiliated merchant ships face a heightened risk of reciprocal military action.
• Shipping experts caution that a full-scale conflict involving Israel, the US and Iran could effectively close the Straits of Hormuz and drive up global oil prices.