The concept of “corridor wars” describes intensifying competition among major powers over critical trade, energy, and transit routes in an era of weaponized interdependence. Unlike traditional territorial conflicts, these struggles center on controlling, securing, bypassing, or disrupting chokepoints: narrow maritime passages and overland links through which global commerce flows. Key arenas include the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and connected corridors such as the Suez Canal. 

As of July 2026, disruptions arising from the US-Iran conflict have exposed these vulnerabilities more clearly, with Hormuz largely blocked since February and threats extending toward Bab el-Mandeb. Instability at one chokepoint can therefore spread across a wider network of energy and trade routes, turning corridor security into a central issue of economic resilience and geopolitical power.

The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, remains the world’s most critical energy chokepoint, handling roughly 20–21 million barrels per day of oil, or about 20–25 percent of global seaborne trade, along with significant LNG volumes from Qatar and the UAE. Iran’s retaliatory actions, including mining and attacks, effectively closed much of the strait following US-Israeli strikes in early 2026. These actions stranded vessels, disrupted shipping, increased uncertainty, and drove energy prices sharply higher. Brent crude rose above $100 per barrel and reportedly reached $126 during periods of peak tension. 

Alternative routes remain limited. Pipelines such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West route can bypass Hormuz for part of the region’s exports, but capacity constraints prevent them from replacing the volumes normally passing through the strait.

Alternative routes remain limited. Pipelines such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West route can bypass Hormuz for part of the region’s exports, but capacity constraints prevent them from replacing the volumes normally passing through the strait.

Even a partial disruption can therefore place immediate pressure on supplies, shipping availability, freight costs, insurance premiums, and buyer confidence.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea connect the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal, carrying about 30 percent of global container trade and millions of barrels of oil each day. Houthi attacks, often aligned with Iranian interests, have repeatedly disrupted this route since 2023, with renewed threats in 2026. In response, maritime traffic has shifted toward the much longer Cape of Good Hope route, increasing transport times, fuel consumption, shipping........

© Middle East Monitor