1/7 As trackers of maritime attacks in the MENA region since 2017, we've updated the map with confirmed incidents in the Persian Gulf & surrounding waterways amid the war. All in one place, with data aggregated. Here’s the link to the map: washingtoninstitute.org/mena… (Use on a computer monitor; not yet adapted for phone screens.) We're doing the work that will benefit others and putting things in context. It's free to access. #Shipping #OOTT #Hormuz @WashInstitute

3/5 Maritime security will remain a major theme in the region. Since the beginning of the war, I have consistently highlighted this issue as some downplayed the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for future trade. In early April, I argued that the previous navigation order had already begun to change. I wrote in my Substack, THE CHOKEPOINT, that Iran, and before that the Houthis, have unfortunately established new navigation orders in the region. I stand by that assessment. My full work here: chokepoint.substack.com/p/tr…

4/5 Amid headlines about a possible U.S.-Iran deal, a key question is what happens next for the many ships still stranded in the Gulf. How will they leave safely? What safety and security measures will be required to manage traffic during the initial phase of any agreement? And who will participate in any future maritime traffic management scheme? These are questions I'm focusing on. Countries like Oman have already been playing a role in protection and rescuing, and offering guidance during this war.

1/5 We have been studying and collecting data on recent ship attacks and incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waterways, while continuing to update our map tracking maritime attacks in the MENA region since 2017. Recent additions include oil/chemical tankers Marivex (IMO 9464156), & Settebello (IMO 9162916), plus asphalt/bitumen tanker Jalveer (IMO 9486283), which were disabled by U.S. CENTCOM this week. Regarding the Settebello, three Indian seafarers were confirmed dead after they were initially reported missing. Here’s the link to the @WashInstitute map: washingtoninstitute.org/mena… (Use on a computer monitor; not yet adapted for phone screens.) #OOTT #Shipping #IranWar‌

Important to be in Saudi Arabia today as the country moves forward with its civilian nuclear programme. With @MoEnergy_Saudi’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, we reviewed the growing cooperation between the @IAEAorg and Saudi Arabia and welcomed its commitment to transparency. The IAEA will continue working with 🇸🇦 to ensure this process moves forward in a safe, secure and peaceful manner. Thank you for the warm hospitality.

All the details on Iran's latest attack on the container ship MSC Sariska V ( IMO 8715857) in Iraqi waters have been uploaded to our @WashInstitute map that tracks maritime attacks in the MENA region since 2017. This is not the first Iranian attack on an MSC-owned/linked vessel in the Gulf amid the Iran war. On April 22, the IRGC Navy attacked and seized the MSC Francesca (IMO 9401116) as it attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz. A second container ship was also attacked and seized, and some shipping databases showed that MSC had been the third-party operator for the past few years ( the Epaminondas (IMO 9153862)). Here’s the link to the map: washingtoninstitute.org/mena… (Use on a computer monitor; not yet adapted for phone screens.) This is why I spend a lot of time with this map I co-created with an incredible team at the @WashInstitute. Every time it shows me a story, a pattern I missed. I'm glad to have one product that brings together so much of my analysis, and I hope you'll find it useful for your own research as well. #OOTT #Shipping #IranWar‌

⚡️In 1 hour: How is the Iran war reshaping global energy? Hear from @carole_nakhle, @NoamRaydan,@Dr_Ulrichsen, and @sam_wendel on the war's impact on OPEC, the clean energy transition, Gulf energy producers, and more. Register here to tune in live: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…

Latest work: 1/3 New ways of trading are emerging amid the new navigational order in Hormuz. I look at Iraq, which has been trying to incentivize customers to resume loading (SOMO offered term buyers May-loading Basrah crude at sharp discounts). At least two tankers with a history of trading Venezuelan oil have picked up Iraqi cargoes in the past weeks, and a third is likely on her way, signaling Basrah. Link: chokepoint.substack.com/p/ou… There are signs that more risk takers in shipping will be attracted to the region as the crisis in Hormuz continues and Iran maintains its control over transit. #OOTT #Shipping #Iraq #IranWar‌

NEW: How is the Iran war reshaping energy markets? Tune in next week, 5/20, at 12pm for the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz and the outlook for oil prices & Gulf energy producers ft. @carole_nakhle, @Dr_Ulrichsen, @NoamRaydan, & @Sam_Wendel. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi…

Fantastic interactive maritime map/shipping attack timeline from @NoamRaydan at the @WashInstitute.

Video of damage to CMA CGM San Antonio's Engine Control Room in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5, 2026

At least nine maritime attacks and incidents took place between May 5 and May 10 in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and surrounding waterways. We have updated our map that tracks maritime attacks in the MENA region since 2017. Link: washingtoninstitute.org/mena… We added recent Iranian attacks, and incidents involving U.S. warships. We also updated information on some commercial ships, including the attack involving HMM Namu (IMO 1039292) - owned by South Korea's HMM Co - and based on the recent findings of an initial investigation into the explosion and fire aboard this multi-purpose carrier. These were released by the ministry of foreign affairs. #OOTT #Shipping #IranWar‌