Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
Asian countries are beginning to feel the economic impact of escalating airstrikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as oil tankers remain stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
Several shipping companies have halted transit through the strait due to rising insurance costs and growing security concerns.
China described the waterway as an important international trade route and called for an immediate end to military operations, stressing the need to maintain stability in the area.
Iranian media reported that the strait had been effectively closed following the US-Israel strikes, though no official blockade has been announced.
More than 40 vessels linked to Japan, including oil tankers, are stranded in the Persian Gulf, and at least three ships have stopped attempts to transit the strait, according to Kyodo News. Japan depends on the Middle East for about 95 percent of its crude oil imports, most of which passes through the waterway.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asked Iranian Ambassador Peiman Seadat to ensure the safety of the strait, saying Tokyo will continue diplomatic efforts to achieve an early settlement.
Malaysia and Pakistan have also issued advisories and contingency plans. Malaysia urged vessels to avoid the strait, while Pakistan explored alternative crude shipping routes through the Red Sea after several of its state-run tankers were stranded.
The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of global oil trade and significant liquefied natural gas exports. Shipping data indicated transit volumes fell 86 percent on March 1 compared with the 2026 average, highlighting the serious disruption to energy flow
