Saudi Aramco’s CEO, Amin Nasser, has decided not to attend the CERAweek energy conference in Houston, choosing instead to focus on handling challenges caused by the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, faces potential closure by Iran if its energy facilities are threatened. This has forced Aramco to reroute crude through the East West Pipeline and increase exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Recent Iranian attacks have also disrupted operations, temporarily halting some oil loadings.

Nasser had warned that prolonged instability in the region could have severe consequences for global oil markets. Brent crude prices rose above $110 per barrel in early Asian trading on Monday as supply concerns intensified.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cautioned that the conflict could trigger the worst global energy crisis in decades. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that US financial institutions supporting regional energy and military projects could become targets if Iranian energy assets are attacked.

Aramco’s operational changes and Nasser’s focus on the region highlight the growing risks for the global energy sector as tensions escalate.