Amid escalating tensions in West Asia in the wake of US-Israel strikes against Iran, a leading Indian-American maritime executive has voiced concern over the impact on the crucial oil artery of the Strait of Hormuz and implications for global oil prices. "Shipping is the hardest-hit industry in any such turbulence in the geopolitical situation," Chairman of maritime company Safesea Group Dr S.V. Anchan told PTI. "The Strait of Hormuz must not be allowed to be shut down," Anchan said, calling for urgent action to ensure safe passage of vessels in the area. Anchan said oil prices are expected to rise on Monday in the wake of the geopolitical developments in the region, but added that prolonged high oil prices will be bad for the economy. "It's in no one's interest globally, including the US," he said, adding that "blocking the Hormuz is no less than choking the people at large of the region, at a time when even the airspaces are also closed." There are estimates that already 150 tan