Recent discussions at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi have highlighted a growing shift in maritime security, where the Strait of Hormuz is becoming a strategic chokepoint without needing a total physical closure. Experts argue that Iran is effectively weaponizing commercial risk, using a strategy similar to the Houthi campaign in the Red Sea to selectively target vessels and influence transit rights. By driving up insurance costs and creating an atmosphere of uncertainty, Iran can exert significant geopolitical leverage and force states to navigate complex, non-kinetic forms of pressure that go beyond traditional military blockades.

To mitigate these risks, the panel urged a move away from “just-in-time” logistics toward a more resilient “just-in-case” framework. This approach requires deeper government-industry collaboration, such as the implementation of state-backed insurance, shared maritime security intelligence, and the diversification of energy supply chains. Rather than focusing solely on military deterrence, the experts suggested that regional powers must build a more flexible infrastructure—including pipelines and alternative trade routes—while fostering a new maritime security architecture that prioritizes long-term cooperation over reactive, crisis-driven policies.