Japanese automaker Mazda has temporarily suspended vehicle production for the Middle East in April and May, as shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz face disruptions.

The move comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has partially affected maritime traffic in the region, The Caspian Post reports via Japanese media.

Mazda had explored alternative logistics routes, but they proved insufficient to maintain stable deliveries. The company typically exports around 30,000 vehicles annually to key Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Despite the disruption, production for Europe and other regions will continue, meaning overall global output is not expected to take a major hit.

Mazda is not alone. Other Japanese auto giants are also scaling back:

Toyota cut Middle East production by 20,000 vehicles in March and plans a further 24,000 reduction in April

Nissan reduced output by 1,200 vehicles in March and is set to repeat the cut in April