Middle East Eye reported on 25 September 2026 that the ongoing hostilities involving Iran are generating a dual‑front challenge for Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt. While the blockage of shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al‑Mandeb and the Suez Canal has drawn most international attention, the outlet highlighted that the repercussions are also intensifying along the land frontiers shared with Iran.
The article explained that the interruption of maritime traffic through Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil shipments, and the Bab al‑Mandeb, a gateway to the Red Sea, has already forced rerouting of cargo and raised freight costs. The Suez Canal, another critical artery for global trade, is likewise experiencing delays linked to the broader regional instability.
Beyond the seas, the piece pointed out that the spill‑over effects are being felt on the ground. Pakistan, which borders Iran to the west, is confronting heightened security concerns and potential disruptions to overland trade routes that connect it to Central Asian markets. Turkey, sharing a northeastern border with Iran, is reported to be dealing with increased border monitoring requirements and the risk of illicit flows.
Egypt, whose southern frontier meets the Red Sea corridor adjacent to the Bab al‑Mandeb, is also cited as experiencing amplified pressure on its land and maritime interfaces, complicating its role as a transit hub for goods moving between Europe, Asia and Africa.
According to Middle East Eye, the convergence of maritime blockades and land‑border strains is creating a compounded squeeze on the economies and security apparatuses of the three states. The outlet warned that prolonged disruptions could exacerbate inflationary pressures, hinder supply chains and force governments to allocate additional resources to border management.
The analysis concluded that the situation underscores the interconnected nature of regional conflicts, where actions in one domain—whether at sea or on land—can ripple across multiple neighboring economies, amplifying the strategic importance of both maritime and terrestrial corridors in the Global South.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/how-iran-war-squeezing-pakistan-turkey-egypt-every-direction.