Maritime security instability in the Middle East and Africa

Maritime security in the Middle East and near the Horn of Africa is deteriorating due to a combination of geopolitical tensions and a resurgence of piracy.

In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s maritime authority has blacklisted 45 vessels, threatening them with seizure or fines for allegedly violating navigation rules. At least 14 vessels have reportedly been attacked near the coast of Oman on routes supported by the United States but prohibited by Tehran. This instability coincides with intensified economic pressure from the United States, which aims to sever Iranian revenue streams in oil, shipping, and technology.

Concurrently, Somali piracy has seen a significant increase, with the seizure of vessels such as the M.T. Sibu 1, an Eritrean-flagged tanker linked to Iran’s ‘shadow fleet’. Security experts suggest that the diversion of international naval resources to manage tensions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz has created a security vacuum. This has left shipping companies vulnerable, particularly as vessels take longer routes around Africa to avoid conflict zones, increasing traffic along the eastern coast of the continent. There are also noted concerns regarding potential coordination between Yemeni militants and Somali pirate networks.