Tehran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz has paralyzed global commodity trade. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has seized control of the strategic waterway, and Iranian drones have attacked at least three civilian vessels. As a result, over 60 ships linked to European capital have been trapped in the Persian Gulf. Analysts warn of drastic increases in fuel and gas prices in the face of critically low reserves in Europe.
Total Blockade of Hormuz
Iran has closed the strait to shipping, cutting off the world from 20 percent of global oil and LNG supplies from Qatar.
Attacks on Tankers
Iranian drones hit three merchant vessels off the coast of Oman, causing fires and forcing shipping companies to suspend voyages.
Threat of Gas Price Surge
Analysts forecast a 130% rise in gas prices in Europe due to low storage reserves at 30% capacity.
EU Military Response
France has sent warships to reinforce European forces in the Red Sea in response to the threat to the commercial fleet.
The situation in the Persian Gulf region has reached a critical point after Iran officially closed the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. These actions are a direct response to the escalation of the armed conflict involving the USA. Tehran is using its geographical position for energy blackmail, which has grounded dozens of vessels, including 60 ships linked to France. News agencies report the use of kamikaze drones against tankers off the coast of Oman. One of the vessels caught fire, forcing major shipping companies like Maersk to completely suspend voyages on this route. The market is reacting nervously, fearing a permanent disruption of consumer goods and raw material supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz has been the most vulnerable point of the global economy for decades. During the "Tanker War" in the 1980s, Iran and Iraq attacked each other's merchant ships, leading to direct intervention by the US Navy to protect shipping lanes. The economic effects of the blockade are visible almost immediately. Goldman Sachs predicts that gas prices in Europe could rise by 130%, which will hit economies still feeling the effects of winter. Currently, EU gas storage facilities are only 30% full, making the continent exceptionally vulnerable to a cutoff of supplies from Qatar. Competition for available LNG cargoes between Europe and Asia will further drive up rates. At gas stations in Spain and Italy, distributors expect prices to exceed 2 euros per liter of gasoline. Logistics systems are seeking alternative routes, but sailing around Africa drastically increases costs and extends delivery times by several weeks. „The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to everyone until the aggression against our country ceases. Any vessel ignoring our warnings risks destruction.” — Representative of the Iranian government In response to the crisis, France has sent two warships to the Red Sea to support the European Union's military mission and protect shipping interests. Nevertheless, the military situation in Hormuz itself remains deadlocked due to dense minefields and the presence of Iranian missile batteries on the coast. Security experts indicate that any attempt to forcibly unblock the strait could lead to a full-scale war. Meanwhile, in Pakistan and other countries in the region, violent protests are occurring outside US diplomatic missions, amplifying geopolitical chaos. Poland, although it has oil reserves, must reckon with a global price increase that will translate into inflation and domestic transport costs.