Major port in Bahrain suspends operations due to conflict
Major port in Bahrain suspends operations due to conflict
On April 8, 2026, Bahrain's primary maritime gateway, the Khalifa Bin Salman Port, officially suspended all operations.
This decision was made by the operator, APM Terminals, as a necessary security precaution amid the escalating regional conflict.
For the past five weeks, tensions between the U.S.
/Israel coalition and Iran have severely disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, causing global shipping traffic in this critical lane to plummet by over 90%.
The suspension follows a failed UN resolution, sponsored by Bahrain, which aimed to protect international shipping lanes.
With diplomatic efforts hitting a wall and a U.S.-imposed deadline regarding the strait expiring, security in Manama remains extremely tight.
The U.S.
Embassy has advised citizens to shelter in place, while local authorities have implemented strict maritime and airspace restrictions.
Economic experts and the UN warn that if the instability continues, it could lead to severe food insecurity and regional losses potentially reaching nearly $200 billion.
