Commercial shipping companies are refusing to participate in a US-military guided transit scheme through the Strait of Hormuz, citing escalating attacks by Iranian forces.
Sources indicate that the safety concerns have rendered the coordinated passage unviable for private operators, effectively closing one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints to regular trade.
This development marks a significant deterioration in maritime security, as the US-led initiative fails to guarantee safe passage amid ongoing hostilities.
The refusal to use the guided transits comes after five ships were attacked since July 7, according to reports.
The persistent threat has forced commercial traffic to ground to a halt, exacerbating supply chain disruptions and reinforcing the risk premium embedded in global energy markets.
With the Strait effectively closed, the logistical bottleneck is expected to persist, keeping pressure on freight rates and energy prices.