The Iran war has essentially halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage off Iran’s coast that is a key route for oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. Brett Watson, associate professor of economics at the University of Alaska Anchorage, said that energy markets have swung sharply in the past week due to fears that the conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the strait. French President Emmanuel Macron is leading an international effort to unblock the energy choke point, so that oil, gas and goods could flow freely again when circumstances permit. Some of the world's largest shipping firms have advised ships to avoid the route during the conflict. However, President Donald Trump has urged vessels to continue transiting the area. The disruption of the Strait has created a shortfall of about 20 million barrels per day from global supply.