Energy and Shipping Risks in the Iran War

The Middle East energy and shipping sectors are caught squarely in the middle of the Iran war, with tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint plummeting by 90 percent, Tehran threatening to target commercial vessels, and multiple strikes already reaching key energy targets in the Gulf states. Governments and businesses alike are wondering how far the regime is willing to escalate in these domains.

What is the conflict’s current impact on regional energy infrastructure, and does Iran still have the capability to inflict wider, longer-term damage? What can be done to stabilize U.S. and global markets in case of a longer disruption? And could measures such as American military escorts help lower the Gulf maritime risks? To discuss these and other urgent questions, The Washington Institute is pleased to announce a virtual Policy Forum moderated by senior fellow Noam Raydan, co-creator of the Institute's new interactive map project Maritime Attacks in the MENA Region. Speakers include:

Lauren Holtmeier, a Middle East reporter with S&P Global Energy, covering crude markets, pipeline networks, national oil companies, and OPEC+ policy.

Matt Smith, the lead oil analyst at the energy market intelligence firm Kpler (Americas).

Richard Nephew, the Bernstein Adjunct Fellow at The Washington Institute, former U.S. deputy special envoy for Iran, and former principal deputy coordinator for sanctions policy at the State Department.

Tomer Raanan, a maritime risk analyst at Lloyd’s List, where his reporting explores how geopolitics and regulation shape seaborne commerce.

The Policy Forum series is made possible through the generosity of the Winkler Lowy Foundation.