In-house briefings

Rolling updates and deeper context

Read the headline first, then trace the same event through shipping, oil, and geopolitical risk.

Latest headlines

ShippingBBC Middle East

Yemen's Houthis reportedly seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha

Mokha's capture would bring the Iran-backed group closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait waterway, a key shipping route.

Sep 10, 03:38 PM
ShippingThe Guardian World

Houthis seize key Yemeni port of Mocha in drive to take control of Red Sea coast

Iran and its proxies move closer to full control of two shipping chokepoints as regional conflict widens Yemen’s Houthi rebels are making a concerted drive to take full control of the country’s Red Sea coast, claiming control of the key port of Mocha, in the most serious wave of fighting with the Saudi-backed government in years. Seizure of the coast would be a strategic disaster for Saudi Arabia and the US, taking Iran and its proxies closer to full control of two chokepoints for western shipping on opposite sides of the Arabian peninsula: the Bab al-Mandeb at the southern end of the Red Sea and the strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. Continue reading...

Sep 10, 11:39 AM
EnergyBBC Middle East

Iran war won't end until after crucial November elections, says Trump

The president also said oil prices won't come down until after the November races, claiming without evidence that Iran wants to impact the election.

Sep 10, 10:43 AM
EnergyBBC Middle East

Saudi Arabia vows to respond after Houthis attack cities and energy facilities

The Iran-backed Yemeni group's attacks have injured 73 people and caused fires at oil facilities, Saudi authorities say.

Sep 8, 01:58 PM
ShippingThe Guardian World

Hijacking pirates exploit regional chaos to return to seas off Somalia

US-Israel war on Iran and political instability in Somalia lead to pirates targeting cargo ships off Horn of Africa The scourge of Somali piracy targeting cargo ships and smaller dhows off the Horn of Africa has returned to levels not seen in a decade, driven by a convergence of factors including disruptions to the shipping industry caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran and a resurgence of political instability in Somalia. Since late April there have been eight hijackings by Somali pirates, including two within the space of a fortnight in August : one targeting an oil tanker with ties to Iran, the other a Cameroon-flagged vessel, the Lutuf, carrying military equipment for Turkey. Continue reading...

Sep 8, 04:00 AM
ShippingBBC Middle East

Iran warns of 'faster, heavier, more painful response' to US attacks

The comments came a day after Washington said it had struck Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran's attacks on US warships in the region.

Sep 6, 05:00 PM
GeographyDesk briefing

Where Is the Strait of Hormuz and Why Does Geography Matter So Much?

A compact explainer on the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, and why a tiny passage can rattle the whole energy market.

Apr 14, 12:00 AM
EnergyDesk briefing

Why the Strait of Hormuz Moves Oil and LNG Markets

The transmission mechanism from tanker traffic to Brent, freight, insurance, and refinery sentiment.

Apr 14, 12:00 AM
Maritime RiskDesk briefing

Shipping Risk Signals to Watch Around Hormuz

A working checklist for shipowners, traders, analysts, and anyone tracking how maritime stress shows up before a full-scale disruption.

Apr 14, 12:00 AM
Risk PricingDesk briefing

What a Hormuz Closure Scare Actually Means for Traders

Closure scares are usually about repricing risk, not instant zero-flow outcomes. Here is how to read the difference.

Apr 14, 12:00 AM