Threat Shifts Eastward to Gulf of Oman as Iran-Israel Conflict Impacts Shipping

The evolving situation around the Strait of Hormuz has raised fresh concerns, with threats now shifting eastward towards the Gulf of Oman, according to an assessment by the Indian Navy-operated Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). The IFC-IOR, a multinational framework involving representatives from over 20 countries, monitors and shares data on commercial shipping to develop coordinated responses. In its latest update issued on Tuesday night, the centre noted that the situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains dynamic, with risk-prone activities gradually moving eastward. Citing six maritime incidents reported east of Hormuz, particularly in the Gulf of Oman, the assessment highlighted an increase in risk levels. This development is expected to put continued pressure on global energy and commodity supply chains, while also keeping war-risk insurance premiums elevated. In response, the Indian Navy has enhanced its deployment in the region to safeguard LPG and crude oil carriers passing through the critical waterway between Iran and Oman. In addition to surveillance aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), between six and eight naval ships are currently on duty. Sources indicated that the Navy has formed two task forces, increasing the number of warships on Hormuz duty from three vessels deployed earlier this week to at least six to eight at present. This move has been undertaken independently by India, without joining any proposed multinational coalition, including those suggested by former US President Donald Trump. While officials did not disclose specific details about the deployed military assets, they confirmed that more LPG and crude oil tankers are expected to transit through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days. Currently, three frontline Indian naval warships are stationed just outside Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman, providing security to Indian LPG carriers. These vessels rely on onboard radar systems, along with inputs from indigenous satellites, maritime surveillance aircraft, and drones for real-time monitoring. Additionally, two Indian warships are deployed in the southern maritime region near the Saudi Arabian peninsula. One has been operating in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 for anti-piracy operations, while another has been present in the Gulf of Oman since 2019. In light of the current crisis, an additional warship has been deployed to strengthen maritime security. The Indian Navy also retains logistical support options at ports such as Duqm and Salalah in Oman for refuelling and replenishment operations.