Despite ongoing conflict involving Iran, around 90 ships — including oil tankers — have crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the start of March, even as the waterway remains largely disrupted
The strait, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has seen most traffic halted following attacks on vessels and rising regional tensions. However, data shows that Iran continues to export millions of barrels of oil, with estimates exceeding 16 million barrels since early March
Many of the ships making the journey are conducting so-called “dark” transits to avoid sanctions, often linked to Iran. Others including vessels associated with India and Pakistan have passed through following diplomatic negotiations
China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil, with some ships reportedly identifying themselves as China-linked to reduce the risk of being targeted
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel amid the instability, prompting Donald Trump to push allies to deploy naval forces and reopen the strait to stabilize global markets
Experts say the waterway is not fully closed but instead “selectively restricted,” allowing Iran to maintain its exports while limiting other traffic. This strategy enables Tehran to sustain revenue while also exerting pressure on global energy markets
Meanwhile, the United States has taken a cautious approach, allowing some Iranian oil shipments to proceed in an effort to prevent further spikes in energy prices
The situation highlights the Strait of Hormuz’s critical role in global energy security and underscores how geopolitical tensions can quickly disrupt supply chains and impact economies worldwide
Source: TRT World
