Middle East Conflict Update
Our Commitment to Employee Safety
As we continue to monitor the evolving situation across parts of the Middle East, we want to provide a brief update for our employees and their families. At this time, there are no specific security threats targeting H&P or BENTEC personnel or assets. All of our personnel are safe and accounted for.
Over the last couple of days, we observed the United States and Iran agree to a temporary two-week ceasefire to de-escalate recent hostilities and enable diplomatic negotiations. This is intended to include a suspension of U.S. strikes and a conditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, helping to ease immediate pressure on global energy markets.
While this is a welcome development, the situation remains complex and evolving, and there continues to be uncertainty regarding a permanent resolution to the conflict.
Our teams remain vigilant and closely connected with regional and country leadership, as well as with our customers, to maintain stability and be prepared to adapt if circumstances change.
The company continues to closely monitor developments and remains in regular contact with our country and regional leadership teams, as well as with customers in the region. In some locations, customers may elect to temporarily suspend drilling activity depending on operational or security considerations.
As a precaution, H&P has taken a number of proactive steps to support employee safety and reduce potential risk should the situation escalate.
The safety and well-being of our employees and their families remains our highest priority and we are committed to transparent and timely communication. Updates will continue to be shared through official H&P communication channels and local leadership as appropriate.
How We Are Responding
Crisis Management & Oversight
Our response is being led by the Crisis Management Team (CMT), which includes our Security and QHSE teams, local operational leadership, and full oversight from the Executive Leadership Team. This team is responsible for monitoring developments, assessing risk, and coordinating decisions across the company.
Travel & Operations
- Near-term business travel to the region remains paused unless explicitly approved.
- We have business continuity and crisis response plans in place should the situation escalate, including potential operational adjustments or additional safety measures.
Ongoing Communication
We are committed to transparent and timely communication. Updates will be shared through official H&P communication channels and local leadership as appropriate. Employees and families are encouraged to rely on these sources rather than informal channels or social media.
Guidance for Employees in Affected Areas
Employees based in affected countries have been asked to follow these safety precautions:
- Shelter in place in a safe location until further guidance is provided, unless traveling to and from your work location or other preapproved transit
- Follow guidance from local authorities and site leadership
- Pause business travel unless explicitly approved
- Stay connected with managers and report any urgent safety concerns promptly
Information for Families
We understand that situations like this can be concerning for families and loved ones. Please know that employee safety is central to every decision we are making. Our teams remain in close contact with employees in the region and are prepared to provide support as needed.
If a family member has an urgent concern, employees are encouraged to reach out to their country manager, the Security team, or Communications team.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this time, all personnel in the region are accounted for, and the impact on our operations has been limited. Where impacts have occurred, our people are being supported.
Our Ongoing Commitment
We recognize that the situation in the Middle East may be concerning for employees and their families. Please know that the safety and wellbeing of our people remain our highest priority and guide every decision we make.
Our leadership, security teams and local managers continue to closely monitor developments and remain in regular contact with employees in the region. As conditions evolve, we are prepared to adjust our response and will communicate updates through official company channels.
While the situation remains fluid, our commitment to safety, transparency and support will not change. We appreciate the patience and support of our employees and their families and will continue to share information as appropriate.