This article was published at 10:45 GMT on 06/03/26

The widening conflict in the Middle East has heightened risks to global supply chains, industrial sites and energy markets, according to security and health services company International SOS.

The organisation said the situation had expanded, with growing concern that the current phase of the conflict will increasingly target economic infrastructure.

“The situation has escalated with a significant widening of the conflict, including multiple locations well beyond just the Middle East. The current phase of the conflict is expected to be much more focused on tertiary targets, namely factories, production sites and supply chains,” said Adam Lakhani, a security director at the firm.

Lakhani said the conflict had already triggered several developments with implications beyond the immediate region.

“Beyond the Middle East, there have been some major developments. Firstly, the threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and secondly, the sinking of the Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. Finally, several European nations will deploy naval assets off the back of this escalation and are reported to be focused on Cyprus. However, their positioning is significant and beyond the military.”

He added that the consequences were already being felt in global energy markets following a major declaration from a regional energy producer.

“We saw force majeure declared by Qatar Energy yesterday – a move that will have an impact for weeks to come. As a consequence of this, there has been volatility across energy markets, as well as global markets. Parts of Asia, which rely heavily on liquefied natural gas, suffered immediate shocks.”

International SOS said organisations with personnel or operations in the region should continue to monitor developments closely as the conflict evolves and its economic effects ripple through global trade and supply networks.

Since 28 February, International SOS and MedAire have managed more than 2,725 cases linked to the crisis and evacuated more than 440 people by land and air.


Safety advice (Source: International SOS)

International SOS has issued the following advice for individuals in the region:

ISRAEL

• Continue to shelter in place if you are in immediate proximity to ongoing air raids or if you hear an air raid siren. Prepare to move as soon as feasible and permitted by the local authorities.

• Stand fast in a secure location in the coming hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities. These include any local emergency and evacuation procedures, movement restrictions, curfews and road closures.

• Remain informed of the latest developments via verified sources, including International SOS alerts, diplomatic missions and local contacts. Do not act upon unverified information.

• Ensure access to secure accommodation, as well as power, communications, fuel, food, water, medication and other goods.

LEBANON

• Shelter in place if you are in immediate proximity to ongoing air raids or if you hear an air raid siren. Prepare to move as soon as feasible and permitted by local authorities.

• Stand fast in a secure location in the coming hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities. These include any local emergency and evacuation procedures, movement restrictions, curfews and road closures.

• Remain informed of the latest developments via verified sources, including International SOS alerts, diplomatic missions and local contacts. Do not act upon unverified information.

• Ensure access to secure accommodation, as well as power, communications, fuel, food, water, medication and other goods.

BAHRAIN

• Shelter in place as per guidance from the local authorities. Prepare to move as soon as feasible and permitted by the local authorities if in the immediate vicinity of an area impacted by attacks and related interceptions.

• Stand fast in a secure location in the coming hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities. These include any local emergency and evacuation procedures, movement restrictions, curfews and road closures.

• Remain informed of the latest developments via verified sources, including International SOS alerts, diplomatic missions and local contacts. Do not act upon unverified information.

IRAQ

• Shelter in place as per guidance from the local authorities. Prepare to move as soon as feasible and permitted by the local authorities if in the immediate vicinity of an area impacted by attacks and related interceptions.

• Stand fast in a secure location in the coming hours and follow all directives issued by the authorities. These include any local emergency and evacuation procedures, movement restrictions, curfews and road closures.

• Remain informed of the latest developments via verified sources, including International SOS alerts, diplomatic missions and local contacts. Do not act upon unverified information.

This article was published at 10:45 GMT on 06/03/26

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