The Strait of Hormuz has been virtually paralyzed since the start of open war between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, due to the ongoing conflict for nearly five months. And an invasive marine species has been born in the thousands of ships trapped in it.
It could spread around the world, causing serious environmental disasters.
The Strait of Hormuz is the only route to the open sea for major oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Strait of Hormuz, known as the world’s most important energy transport corridor, handles around $600 billion worth of energy trade each year. According to various estimates, around 1,500 ships are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf, with hundreds more in the neighboring Gulf of Oman.
The Times of India reported that a new study has warned that marine organisms born on these ships could spread to different parts of the world if the trade resumes.