Joint war committee revises listed areas following Iran strikes

The JWC confirmed that Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have been added to the listed areas for hull war, piracy, terrorism and related perils

THE London market’s joint war committee (JWC) has revised its listed areas, adding several Middle Eastern countries and amending the boundaries of significant maritime regions. The update follows the outbreak of conflict in the region after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran senior leadership locations in Tehran killing the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The violence has since escalated across the region as Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US allies including the UAE and Oman among others.  In circular JWLA-033 dated 3 March 2026, the JWC confirmed that Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar have been added to the listed areas for hull war, piracy, terrorism and related perils. The committee also amended the listed area described as the Persian/Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Southern Red Sea. The circular sets out revised geographical boundaries defined by specific latitude and longitude coordinates. The document states: “The application of this list on individual contracts will be a matter for specific negotiation.” The updated listed areas form part of the JWC’s hull war, piracy, terrorism and related perils guidance. The circular also said that the list will be published on the LMA and the International Underwriting Association’s (IUA) websites. Neil Roberts, head of marine and aviation at the Lloyd’s Market Association and secretary of the joint war committee, said that this was the list of geographical areas where JWC has assessed vessels to be at “increased risk” of war-related perils.  “The JWC agreed to revise the areas in light of recent events and… continues to monitor developments closely. It will keep the situation under review, noting that the marine hull war market remains open for business for shipowners requiring coverage.”

By Queenie Shaikh