{
  "id": 17983240,
  "title": "Energy companies brace for new Iran tension as cost of resilience mounts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/energy-companies-brace-for-new-iran-tension-as-cost-of-resilience",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-03T15:33:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/11/03/energy-companies-brace-for-new-iran-tension-as-cost-of-resilience-mounts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Oil and gas firms operating in the Middle East are bracing for fresh potential conflict with Iran, with executives warning the financial strain of maintaining operations during such a crisis is mounting. At the recent Adipec conference in Abu Dhabi, industry leaders shared their experiences of adapting to disruptions and the costs of resilience.\n\nAfter a recent US strike on Iran's Qeshm Island, concerns have risen about the possibility of further regional fighting. The attack followed a US drone being shot down near the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of renewed hostilities. For energy firms, the urgency now is not merely whether another escalation will happen, but how they will sustain operations if it does.\n\nSharif Foda, CEO of energy services firm NESR, explained that his company has remained operational throughout the conflict by relying on local workforce and maintaining stockpiles of essential supplies. He emphasized the importance of localisation over international supply routes. However, the cost of this resilience is evident, with some companies forced to lay off staff, such as Senegalese engineering firm Helix SEN, which cut 30 percent of its management team.\n\nThe financial pressure is particularly acute for firms reliant on maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Maritime Organisation reported over 125 attacks on vessels in the region since the war began, with 34 in October alone. Companies have responded by shifting transportation routes, reducing workforces, and developing contingency plans to maintain operations.\n\nWhile some adjustments have been made, executives agree that prolonged conflict could expose vulnerabilities that are difficult to resolve quickly. Major infrastructure projects are time-consuming, leaving energy facilities and shipping routes exposed. However, the industry remains active, focusing on maintenance, repairs, security, and infrastructure development. The key takeaway for companies navigating this uncertain market is to maintain multiple options, despite the costs, as it is the price of resilience.",
  "summary": "Energy companies operating in the Middle East are preparing for another potential escalation in the Iran war, with executives warning that keeping businesses running through conflict comes at a growing financial cost. Speaking to The National at Adipec in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, industry leaders said they are now better prepared after months of adapting to disrupted supply chains. They have…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}