Analysts say doubts over stability of the ceasefire and damage to production sites mean the energy crisis is far from over
Middle East crisis – live updates
If the US-Israeli ceasefire with Iran holds, it could offer the clearest hope of an end to the energy crisis since Iran’s Revolutionary Guards assumed control of the strait of Hormuz after the conflict began 40 days ago.
But analysts fear that for hundreds of tankers stranded in the Gulf, any detente between the White House and Tehran will not be enough to return the flow of oil, gas, chemicals and other vital items to pre-crisis levels.
An estimated 2,000 vessels – with about 20,000 seafarers onboard – have been trapped in the Gulf since the outbreak of the conflict, according to the UN. They include oil and gas tankers, bulk carriers and cargo ships as well as six tourist cruise liners.
