By Alfijir Labarai
Saturday, 19 September 2026
1. HORMUZ: SHIPPING TRAFFIC CONTINUES TO DECLINE
The conflict between Iran and the United States continues to affect shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Shipping-tracking data cited by Reuters showed that only three commercial vessels transited the strait on Wednesday, September 16, compared with 12 on Tuesday and below the 10-day average of 17.
Reuters noted that some vessels had switched off their AIS tracking systems, meaning the figures may not capture all traffic through the strait.
Source: Reuters, September 17, 2026.
2. NEW ATTACKS IN HORMUZ RAISE CONCERNS OVER OIL SHIPPING
On September 13, a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack, resulting in a fire before the crew was evacuated.
Iran also said an Iranian commercial vessel was attacked near its coast, with one person killed and several crew members injured.
The incidents have added to concerns over the safety of maritime traffic in the region.
Source: Reuters, September 13, 2026.
3. SAUDI ARABIA: HOUTHI ATTACKS INTENSIFY
The conflict has continued to spread into Saudi Arabia.
On September 19, Saudi authorities issued warnings over possible aerial attacks in Riyadh and Al-Kharj, while explosions were heard and smoke was seen near the Riyadh airport area.
Reuters reported that the Houthis have continued attacks targeting Saudi cities, energy infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea region.
The United Nations Security Council has also condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilians and critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Reuters, September 19, 2026.
4. CHINA STEPS INTO EFFORTS TO ADDRESS IRAN–HOUTHI TENSIONS
A new diplomatic development emerged this week.
Reuters reported that China privately contacted Iran, seeking Tehran’s assistance in reducing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after Riyadh appealed to Beijing for help.
According to Reuters sources, China wants to prevent the conflict from spreading further and affecting energy supplies and shipping routes on which its economy depends.
It remains unclear how Tehran will respond to the request.
Source: Reuters, September 17, 2026.
5. OIL PRICES REMAIN ABOVE $100 A BARREL
The conflict continues to affect global oil markets.
On September 18, Brent crude was around $103.89 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was around $100.74.
Prices eased slightly following reports that China was seeking Iran’s help in reducing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Despite the decline, oil prices remained above $100 per barrel.
Source: Reuters, September 18, 2026.
6. CONFLICT CONTINUES TO AFFECT GLOBAL ENERGY SHIPPING ROUTES
The security situation around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks affecting the Red Sea have increased concerns over global energy transportation.
The disruption has raised questions about how crude oil and other commodities can be transported safely to international markets.
The situation is particularly significant for countries that depend heavily on maritime routes for energy and other imports.
Source: Reuters, September 13–18, 2026.
7. IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME REMAINS A MAJOR POINT OF TENSION
Iran’s nuclear programme remains one of the central disputes between Tehran and Western countries.
This week, the United States blocked Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, from attending an IAEA meeting following a dispute over his entry into Austria.
Iran accused the United States of pressuring Austria and described the decision as politically motivated.
The development follows an earlier IAEA Board of Governors resolution concerning Iran’s compliance with some of its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation framework.
Source: Reuters, September 14, 2026.
8. US APPROVES VISAS FOR IRANIAN LEADERS TO ATTEND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Despite the continuing confrontation between Washington and Tehran, the United States has approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The US State Department said the Iranian delegation would face travel restrictions and limitations on certain purchases.
The decision comes amid continued uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of broader nuclear negotiations.
Source: Associated Press, September 17, 2026.
KEY ANALYSIS
This week, the Iran–US conflict continued to affect the wider Middle East and global energy markets.
The major developments include:
• Reduced shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Continued Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and critical energy infrastructure.
• China’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions involving Iran and the Houthis.
• Oil prices remaining above $100 per barrel.
• Continued disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and IAEA inspections.
• And the US approval of visas for Iranian leaders to attend the United Nations General Assembly.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT WEEK
Alfijir Labarai will continue monitoring:
1. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the movement of commercial vessels.
2. Whether China makes further diplomatic progress with Iran over the Houthi attacks.
3. Whether Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia continue.
4. Changes in global oil prices.
5. New developments concerning Iran’s nuclear programme and Tehran–Washington diplomacy.
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