The war between America and Iran changes the balance in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab

The war between the United States and Iran has upended the balance of the global oil market, by sharply disrupting the flow of oil through two vital waterways: the Strait of Hormuz, and more recently - over the past few weeks - the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Iran is currently intensifying its attacks on oil tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf, which has reduced the amount of oil leaving the region and kept global crude prices above $100 per barrel.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Authority, which monitors maritime security in the region, 12 attacks on ships in or near the Strait of Hormuz have been reported over the past week. Two cargo ships also sank earlier this week after being attacked by projectiles of unknown origin in two separate incidents.

Analysts believe that Iran's intensification of its attacks comes in response to the exit of large quantities of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks. The US military led an effective operation to transport oil through the strait by facilitating “covert” crossings; As oil tankers sail with their tracking devices turned off, they transfer their cargo to other ships waiting in the Gulf of Oman.

On the other hand, Iran is still facing difficulties in passing its own tankers through the waterway, due to a naval blockade imposed by the United States. The scope of the conflict, now in its eighth month, has expanded to include confrontations between Saudi Arabia and Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.

The Houthis targeted Saudi oil tankers crossing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and in recent days they launched bloody attacks on the main international airport in Riyadh. Analysts say the crisis has long-term repercussions on the global oil market.

George Zackman, a senior researcher at the Bruegel Research Center, told Ofoq News Network that oil-importing countries are increasingly aware of the necessity of “structurally reducing their oil consumption.” This is to reduce its exposure to external shocks. He added that this measure, along with other measures, may help "protect (these countries) from an increasingly uncertain world."

The Bab al-Mandab Strait gained greater strategic importance after the war disrupted navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.