{"success":true,"data":{"straitStatus":{"status":"RESTRICTED","since":"2026-02-28","description":"Strait effectively closed to unrestricted commercial shipping since Feb 28 after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Iran maintains selective blockade with attacks on vessels, mines, and electronic jamming. Only approved vessels from select nations permitted transit through designated Iranian-controlled routes. Approximately 1,550 vessels stranded; 5% of pre-war traffic."},"shipCount":{"currentTransits":3,"last24h":5,"normalDaily":60,"percentOfNormal":8.3},"oilPrice":{"brentPrice":106.11,"change24h":2.63,"changePercent24h":2.54,"sparkline":[138.21,122.11,119.03,119.07,123.28,118.69,114.93,116.63,98.63,103.4,106.14,113.44,113.25,111.86,113.89,117.62,124.16,124.24,118.26,114.51,103.7,101.82,103.48,106.11]},"strandedVessels":{"total":0,"tankers":0,"bulk":0,"other":0,"changeToday":0},"insurance":{"level":"EXTREME","warRiskPercent":5,"normalPercent":0.15,"multiplier":33.3},"throughput":{"todayDWT":500000,"averageDWT":10300000,"percentOfNormal":4.9,"last7Days":[450000,480000,510000,520000,500000,490000,500000]},"diplomacy":{"status":"TALKS_IN_PROGRESS","headline":"Trump-Xi Meeting on Hormuz; Negotiations Stalled Over Iran Demands","date":"2026-05-14","parties":["United States","Iran","China","Pakistan","United Nations","Gulf States"],"summary":"Trump and Xi agreed on May 14 that the strait must remain open. Trump paused Project Freedom on May 6 citing 'great progress' in Iran talks mediated by Pakistan, but negotiations remain deadlocked. Iran demands US reparations, recognition of Hormuz sovereignty, and sanctions lifting; US refuses. UN Secretary-General calls for continued negotiations and full strait reopening."},"globalTradeImpact":{"percentOfWorldOilAtRisk":21,"estimatedDailyCostBillions":3.5,"affectedRegions":[{"name":"Japan","severity":"CRITICAL","oilDependencyPercent":90,"description":"90%+ oil dependency on Hormuz transit. Severe shortages of refined products, rising import costs, LNG prices elevated."},{"name":"South Korea","severity":"CRITICAL","oilDependencyPercent":80,"description":"80%+ oil dependency on Hormuz. Major LNG importer facing supply disruptions and price spikes."},{"name":"China","severity":"HIGH","oilDependencyPercent":40,"description":"40% oil dependency; recent exemptions granted by Iran for selected Chinese vessels, but uncertain continuation."},{"name":"India","severity":"HIGH","oilDependencyPercent":60,"description":"60% oil dependency. Turning to Russian crude alternatives, 12 million barrels stranded west of strait."},{"name":"United States","severity":"MODERATE","oilDependencyPercent":5,"description":"5% direct dependency; indirect impact through elevated global energy prices and shipping costs."},{"name":"European Union","severity":"MODERATE","oilDependencyPercent":20,"description":"20% oil dependency; LNG and oil price spikes affecting consumer prices and industrial competitiveness."},{"name":"Qatar","severity":"CRITICAL","oilDependencyPercent":100,"description":"LNG export facility damaged by Iranian strikes; 17% production loss. Force majeure declared March 4."},{"name":"Saudi Arabia & UAE","severity":"HIGH","oilDependencyPercent":100,"description":"Major exporters forced to cut production; alternative pipelines operating below normal capacity."},{"name":"Africa","severity":"MODERATE","oilDependencyPercent":13,"description":"13% of oil and fertilizer imports transit Hormuz; fertilizer prices up 35% in one month."}],"lngImpact":{"percentOfWorldLngAtRisk":25,"estimatedLngDailyCostBillions":1.2,"topAffectedImporters":["Japan","South Korea","China"],"description":"Qatar's largest LNG facility damaged; 17% production loss. Natural gas prices in Asia and Europe surged dramatically. US relatively insulated due to domestic production. Recovery estimated 3-5 years."},"alternativeRoutes":[{"name":"Cape of Good Hope","additionalDays":12,"additionalCostPerVessel":650,"currentUsageStatus":"In heavy use; ~36.3m bpd seaborne crude exports diverted via Cape (down 6.8m bpd or 16% vs pre-war). Cape diversions surged 112% in a single day from baseline."},{"name":"East-West Pipeline (Saudi Arabia)","additionalDays":0,"additionalCostPerVessel":0,"currentUsageStatus":"Operating ~4-5 mbpd capacity; below normal. Partially transporting Saudi crude to Yanbu for maritime export."},{"name":"Habshan-Fujairah Pipeline (UAE)","additionalDays":0,"additionalCostPerVessel":0,"currentUsageStatus":"Operating at elevated levels near 1.5 mbpd capacity. Critical for Abu Dhabi crude exports bypassing Hormuz."},{"name":"Suez Canal (Red Sea)","additionalDays":5,"additionalCostPerVessel":300,"currentUsageStatus":"Partially operational at ~49% pre-crisis capacity due to concurrent Houthi attacks. Minimal increase in usage due to Houthi threat."}],"supplyChainImpact":{"shippingRateIncreasePercent":150,"consumerPriceImpactPercent":4.2,"sprStatusDays":28,"keyDisruptions":["VLCC rates stabilized at $100,000/day (double 2025 baseline). Peaked at $423,736/day on March 3 before collapsing due to zero transits.","Jebel Ali Port (largest in Middle East) experiencing severe congestion; transshipment delays 2-3 weeks.","US-Israeli blockade of Iranian ports since April 13 creates dual chokepoint with Iranian strait restrictions.","QatarEnergy force majeure on all LNG shipments; Ras Laffan facility damaged (17% loss).","Brent crude jumped 50% from baseline; Asian refiners hardest hit; fertilizer prices up 35% in one month.","US SPR releases (6.8m bpd diverted via Atlantic) supporting prices but reserves declining; estimated 28 days remaining at current depletion rates."]}},"crisisTimeline":{"events":[{"date":"2026-02-28","type":"ESCALATION","title":"US-Israel War on Iran Begins","description":"US and Israeli forces launch strikes on Iran; Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei assassinated. Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks on Israel, US bases, and Gulf states."},{"date":"2026-03-02","type":"MILITARY","title":"IRGC Officially Closes Strait; War Risk Insurance Removed","description":"Senior IRGC official declares Strait of Hormuz closed, threatens any vessel attempting passage. P&I clubs remove war risk coverage on March 5, making transit economically non-viable."},{"date":"2026-03-03","type":"ECONOMIC","title":"VLCC Rates Hit All-Time High","description":"MEG-China TD3C rate reaches record $423,736/day. Rates jump 94% from previous day as insurance withdrawals spike freight costs to unprecedented levels."},{"date":"2026-03-04","type":"ECONOMIC","title":"QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure on LNG Shipments","description":"Iranian drone and missile strikes damage Ras Laffan LNG facility, largest in world, reducing capacity by 17%. All LNG shipments placed under force majeure."},{"date":"2026-04-08","type":"DIPLOMATIC","title":"US-Iran Two-Week Ceasefire Announced","description":"Temporary ceasefire agreed between US and Iran to involve strait reopening. However, Iran begins charging tolls of $1M+ per ship and restricts passage, resuming controls."},{"date":"2026-04-13","type":"MILITARY","title":"US Navy Blockade of Iranian Ports Begins","description":"US imposes simultaneous blockade of all Iranian ports, creating dual chokepoint with Iranian strait restrictions. Described by media as 'dual blockade' situation."},{"date":"2026-04-17","type":"DIPLOMATIC","title":"Iran Announces Strait Opening Due to Lebanon Ceasefire","description":"Iran declares Strait open to commercial shipping pending Israel-Lebanon truce. But US continues blockade; Iran reimpose restrictions in response."},{"date":"2026-05-04","type":"MILITARY","title":"Trump Launches Operation Project Freedom","description":"US Navy begins military mission to escort merchant ships through Strait. Two vessels successfully transit on May 5 before operation paused pending negotiations."},{"date":"2026-05-06","type":"DIPLOMATIC","title":"Trump Pauses Project Freedom, Cites Negotiation Progress","description":"Trump suspends military escort operations after one day, claiming 'great progress' toward Iran agreement. Pakistan mediating talks, but fundamental disagreements remain."},{"date":"2026-05-13","type":"DIPLOMATIC","title":"UN Resolution Gains 112 Co-Sponsors","description":"Bahrain-led UN Security Council resolution calling for freedom of navigation gains 112 co-sponsors. Reflects breadth of global concern; Russia and China cautious about military language."},{"date":"2026-05-14","type":"DIPLOMATIC","title":"Trump-Xi Summit Discusses Hormuz","description":"Trump meets Xi Jinping in Beijing; both agree strait must remain open for free energy flow. Xi opposes militarization and tolls. Chinese vessels permitted selective transit."},{"date":"2026-05-15","type":"MILITARY","title":"Vessel Seizures and Attacks Resume","description":"IRGC seizes MSC Francesca and Epaminondas; third vessel fired upon. Demonstrates Iran's continued control despite negotiations and fragile ceasefire."}]},"tankerRates":{"currentRate":100,"preCrisisRate":50,"changePercent":100,"route":"AG-East (TD3C)","vesselType":"VLCC","trend":[50,75,150,423,250,150,100],"unit":"WS"},"news":[{"title":"PM Modi shrinks convoy, pushes EV use after call to save fuel amid Iran war energy crisis","source":"The Indian Express","url":"https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-convoy-size-reduction-spg-ev-austerity-fuel-crisis-10686677/","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 03:44:01","description":"PM Modi has cut his security convoy size and sought EVs in it amid the global energy crisis."},{"title":"Trump-Xi summit: Iran war, trade, Taiwan and AI on the agenda, why China has the upper hand","source":"The Indian Express","url":"https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/trump-xi-china-summit-iran-trade-taiwan-ai-10686659/","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 03:27:07","description":"While it is unclear where the West Asia conflict will go from here, even as an uneasy ceasefire continues to hold, China will likely play a crucial role in helping bring Iran back to the negotiating table in any constructive form"},{"title":"Commodity Corner: Crude Slips Below $107 as Middle East Conflict Persists; Gold Holds Decline","source":"Moneycontrol","url":"https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/commodity-corner-crude-slips-below-107-as-middle-east-conflict-persists-gold-holds-decline-13917498.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 03:22:53","description":"Indian government raised import duties on several categories of gold, silver and other precious metals imports to 15 percent from 6 percent, according to a finance ministry notification issued on Wednesday."},{"title":"US intel shows Iran retains missile capabilities despite Trump's claims","source":"Business Standard","url":"https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/us-intel-shows-iran-retains-missile-capabilities-despite-trump-s-claims-126051300134_1.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 03:19:48","description":"Secret new assessments say Iran has operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that its military remains far stronger than President Trump has asserted"},{"title":"Oil Dips After Three-Day Gain With Iran Peace Talks at Impasse","source":"Yahoo! News","url":"https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/oil-steadies-after-three-day-gain-with-iran-flows-under-strain-003420794.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 03:02:55","description":"(Bloomberg) -- Oil slipped after rising almost 8% over the past three sessions as a resolution to the Middle East conflict remains elusive, with Iranian..."},{"title":"Trump heads to China as Iran war cost nears $29b amid rising tensions","source":"Gulf News","url":"https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/trump-heads-to-china-as-iran-war-cost-nears-29b-amid-rising-tensions-1.500538588","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 02:58:24","description":"Trump heads to China as Iran war cost nears $29b amid rising tensions"},{"title":"Iraq, Pakistan cut energy transit deals with Iran amid Tehran’s tightening grip over Hormuz","source":"Firstpost","url":"https://www.firstpost.com/business/iraq-pakistan-energy-deals-iran-hormuz-control-gulf-oil-lng-crisis-14010542.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 02:51:34","description":"Iraq and Pakistan have struck separate energy transit deals with Iran to secure oil and LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting Tehran’s growing control over the strategic Gulf chokepoint amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict"},{"title":"Trump says no need for Xi's help on war as Iran tightens Hormuz grip","source":"Yahoo! News","url":"https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-says-no-xis-help-025029181.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 02:50:29","description":"STORY: Donald Trump said Tuesday he would have a talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the war in Iran during his upcoming trip to China. But when asked about possible Chinese involvement, the U.S. president offered a blunt response. \"I don't think we need any help with Iran, to be honest with you. They're defeated militarily, and they'll either do the right thing or we'll finish the job.\" His comments come as hopes for a lasting peace deal grow weaker and Iran strengthens its control over the Strait of Hormuz. More than a month after a shaky ceasefire began, the two sides have made little progress toward an agreement. According to sources, Tehran has struck new deals with Iraq and Pakistan to ship oil and natural gas through the area. Sources say other countries are considering similar deals, potentially making Iran's grip on the Strait more permanent. The Trump administration said Tuesday that top U.S. and Chinese officials agreed last month that no country should charge tolls on ships passing through the region. China, which has close ties with Iran and buys large amounts of its oil, did not challenge this statement. Trump is scheduled to meet Xi this week and is expected to urge China to press Iran to reach a deal with the United States. For its part, Tehran has demanded compensation for damage from the war and an end to the U.S. blockade. It also wants a full ceasefire across all fronts, including in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah is fighting Israel. Trump has dismissed those demands as \"garbage\"."},{"title":"Gold, silver price today (May 13): International spot gold surges 0.50% to $4,710, silver 2.29% up on Comex; will MCX follow suit?","source":"Moneycontrol","url":"https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/gold-silver-price-today-may-13-internation-spot-gold-surges-0-50-to-4-710-silver-2-29-up-on-comex-will-mcx-follow-suit-13917349.html","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 02:49:41","description":"Despite ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, investor sentiment leans toward diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran."},{"title":"Geopolitical shift in ME","source":"Dawn","url":"https://www.dawn.com/news/1999825/geopolitical-shift-in-me","publishedAt":"2026-05-13 02:37:27","description":"US PRESIDENT Donald Trump is doing what he does best: keeping the world guessing with his puzzling declarations. He has rejected Iran’s latest proposal for peace talks, stating, “I don’t like it”. He has also threatened Iran with more strikes. He claims the ceasefire is now on “massive life support”. At the same time, he has asserted that he has achieved all his war objectives. What are we to make of such, often conflicting, statements? One thing that can be deduced from Trump’s declarations is that there is not going to be an end to one of the most consequential conflicts in recent history anytime soon. Interestingly, Trump’s public rejection of Iran’s peace proposal reportedly followed a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking to an American TV channel, Netanyahu warned that the war was not over and nuclear material still had to be taken out of Iran. According to him, “If necessary, we [the US and Israel] can re-engage them [Iran] militarily”. This reinforces suspicions that Israel is not in favour of any peace talks with Iran and is pushing the American president to end the ceasefire, just as it pressed him to launch the war. The ceasefire meant to facilitate peace talks came into effect in April and has been largely observed despite exchanges of fire and reports of strikes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively continued to block. Meanwhile, Israel continues its bombing of Lebanon in blatant violation of the ceasefire there and is busy extending its borders. A prolonged conflict will have far-reaching implications for regional geopolitics, sharpening the divisions among Gulf countries that are directly affected by the tensions. The Gulf countries that have been closely aligned with the US seem to be divided over the growing perception that Trump is fighting Israel’s war. These countries were left vulnerable as Iran targeted American interests in the region. The divide became more apparent as some nations emphasised the need for peace talks to end the conflict. There have been significant financial and economic losses due to the dual blockade of the waterways that are critical to the global energy supply chain. It came as a rude shock to the American president when Saudi Arabia denied the US access to its airspace and military bases within the country. Reports indicate that the Saudi crown prince was upset with Trump’s announcement that the US military would escort ships through Hormuz. Trump’s announcement had heightened tensions with Iran, which threatened to attack ships passing through the strait without Tehran’s permission. Riyadh feared that this could lead to an escalation with Iran. Saudi action reportedly forced Trump to abandon his plan. Although Riyadh has now reversed its decisions on US overflights and the use of bases, it will not allow its territory to be used in support of the US naval operation Project Freedom — a rebuke that marks a significant shift in the kingdom’s position, especially on account of the economic devastation the region has suffered in the conflict. As recently as March, the Saudi crown prince reportedly wanted Trump to continue to bomb Iran to bring down the regime there. Saudi Arabia is now actively supporting efforts to end the conflict through peace talks mediated by Pakistan. It is part of an alliance that includes Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye, which is facilitating the dialogue process. Saudi officials are in touch with their Iranian counterparts. The changing stance of the kingdom — for long America’s closest ally in the region — has increased apprehensions among other Gulf countries about being drawn into a prolonged conflict. The stalemate over the resumption of peace talks between Washington and Tehran is also a cause for concern for Saudi Arabia, as well as Qatar and Oman. American military sites in these countries have been targeted by Iran. It is evident that the US is primarily interested in protecting Israel, and the tension in ties between these countries and the US is becoming increasingly palpable. In contrast, the conflict has brought other Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, closer to the US. With US bases on their soil, they have borne the brunt of Iranian retaliation. The UAE, in particular, has been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, which have had a devastating effect on its economy. As a result, it is now leaning heavily on the US and Israel — which it recognises under the Abraham Accords concluded during Trump’s first term — for its defence. The UAE’s collaboration with Israel has strengthened of late. While accusing the UAE of launching missile strikes, Iran has continued to target the country even during the ceasefire . The impact of Iranian missiles hitting civilian and business infrastructure in Dubai has been particularly significant. Meanwhile, UAE-Saudi relations have also become strained as the two countries find themselves on opposite sides in the regional civil wars in Yemen, Sudan and Libya. The UAE’s sudden decision to exit OPEC in the middle of the US-Iran conflict has raised questions about the fragile unity of the Gulf nations, which have controlled crude oil prices for decades. Moreover, the conflict with Iran and the schism among Gulf countries have given Israel a sense of impunity regarding its aggression in Lebanon. Gaza’s rehabilitation has also been sidelined, as Israel continues to maintain control over large portions of the territory. Under the cover of the war, Israel has expedited its efforts to annex the occupied West Bank . It is not surprising that the Zionist state opposes any moves to end the war with Iran, as this conflict has dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East — ostensibly to its advantage. The writer is an author and journalist. zhussain100@yahoo.com X: @hidhussain Published in Dawn, May 13th, 2026"}],"lastUpdated":"2026-05-16T12:19:50.936Z"},"timestamp":"2026-05-16T12:19:50.936Z"}