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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Guardian community team

Maritime and port workers: how is the Middle East conflict affecting you?

FILE PHOTO: Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with IranFILE PHOTO: Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, March 3, 2026. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky/File Photo
Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Amr Alfiky/Reuters

The conflict in the Middle East is disrupting shipping across the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

Maritime traffic through the strait, the narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, has effectively been closed since strikes on Iran began. Some vessels have been diverted or delayed and ports and shipping companies are dealing with heightened security concerns and uncertainty.

Meanwhile, at least six major cruise ships, each carrying thousands of tourists, are anchored in or close to harbours across the region, their passengers confined to the ships

We would like to hear from maritime workers, port staff and shipping crews about how the situation is affecting your work.

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