Singaporeans must brace ourselves as we face multiple knock-on effects following the Middle East conflict, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam said in a speech at the Home Team Promotion Ceremony 2026 on Monday (April 13).He said the Middle East conflict has shown that Iran has the «leverage it can wield» by closing the Strait of Hormuz.«There are reports of ships paying the Iranian authorities tolls for safe passage, up to US$2 million(S$2.5 million),» Shanmugam said.«Before the conflict, 80 ships passed through the Strait daily. If all of them paid that toll, that would be US$160 million per day.»In response, the US announced that it will blockade the Strait, which will also have consequences for Singapore, the minister said.Explaining the impact of the conflict, Shanmugam explained that terrorism threats have increased, oil and energy flows have been disrupted and prices have risen.«Next consequence, a continuation of a new phenomena in world order,» he stated. Read more