I. Latest Situation Overview (News Facts)
• On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks from Iran.
• Iranian missiles and drones struck multiple Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan.
• Some targets included airports, government institutions, and military bases.
• At least 8 countries have announced the closure of their airspace, including Iran, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE.
• Russia has suspended flights to Iran and Israel and has advised rerouting alternatives.
• Saudi Arabia has condemned the attacks and expressed willingness to support Gulf countries.
The UN warns: The situation is threatening global security and stability.
II. Direct Impact on International Logistics (Industry-Level Effects)
1. Air Freight
• Widespread airspace closures → Flight rerouting → Extended flight durations
• Rising costs: Fuel + flight hours + insurance
• Significantly increased risk of flight cancellations/delays
2.Sea Freight
• Increased risks in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz
• Potential rapid increase in war risk surcharges
• Decreased port operational efficiency (personnel evacuation, alert mechanisms)
3.Land Transport
• Risk of border closures or enhanced security checks on cross-border trucking routes in the Middle East
• Increased probability of inspections at Gulf country borders
III. Underlying Impacts on the Supply Chain (Critical for Businesses)
This conflict differs from ordinary regional disputes, presenting systemic supply chain risks:
|
Risk Type |
Impact |
| Energy Transportation | The Middle East is a core global oil and gas producing region |
| Shipping Insurance | War risk insurance prices may surge |
| Financial Settlement | Risks related to sanctions and bank clearing |
| Supply Chain Stability | Order delays + Delivery uncertainty |
Analysts believe the current situation could potentially escalate into a regional war.
IV. Emergency Response Strategies for Logistics Companies (Professional Recommendations)
Logistics companies are advised to immediately implement the following actions:
✔ Operations Level
• Immediately review all in-transit cargo in the Middle East
• Update route risk assessments
• Establish backup transport plans (Sea-Air / Air-Sea)
✔ Commercial Level
• Include war risk clauses in quotations
• Mandate the use of floating freight rate mechanisms
• Shorten quotation validity periods (recommended ≤ 48 hours)
✔ Risk Control Level
• Review customer country risk levels
• Mandate advance payments or Letters of Credit (L/C)
• Avoid credit sales (open account terms)
V. Industry Assessment (Professional Perspective)
The current situation already exhibits three "War-Level Signals":
• Closure of airspace by multiple countries
• Simultaneous attacks on multiple countries
• Involvement of major military powers
In conclusion, the Middle East war that erupted on March 1st, involving numerous major powers and decisively blocking a critical waterway, has cast a heavy shadow over global stability and international logistics in 2026. Currently, the global logistics network is undergoing a forced and costly restructuring. Although the situation is rapidly changing, it is certain that rising transportation costs and delays will become the norm that international trade must face for the foreseeable future.
Post time: Mar-05-2026