Politis

Middle East: 23,000 Indian Sailors and 32 Greek Ships Stranded in the Region

Published March 5, 2026, 17:17
Middle East: 23,000 Indian Sailors and 32 Greek Ships Stranded in the Region

The unprecedented tension in the Middle East, with attacks on Iran, Israel, and the US, has raised global concerns about navigation safety and the impact on international energy markets. Approximately 23,000 Indian sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman due to attacks between Iran, Israel, and the US. The crisis was triggered by US-Israeli attacks on Iran, aimed at eliminating Tehran's nuclear and ballistic programs. Iran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for about 20% of the world's oil. There are 36 ships under the Indian flag stranded in the Persian Gulf, while 32 Greek ships are in the wider region (Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman), of which 10 are in the Persian Gulf and 3 at its entrances. A total of 160 ships of Greek interests are in the area, although the number has decreased from 215 the previous day.