US Allows Iranian Oil Flow Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Despite renewed attacks and escalating tensions between the US and Iran, Iranian oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. Recent data published by Reuters shows that only six ships passed through the strait on Sunday, the lowest number since a ceasefire and memorandum of understanding were signed. Among these vessels was a large Iranian tanker capable of carrying two million barrels of oil, likely destined for the Chinese or Russian markets following the US reimposition of sanctions. Another tanker carrying approximately half a million barrels of Kuwaiti oil also transited the strait, though it remains unclear whether it took the Omani side or the route designated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

US commentators are puzzled why the Trump administration has not reinstated a full blockade or closed the shipping lanes to Iranian oil, despite Iran’s declaration of closing the strait. Analysts suggest that President Donald Trump may prefer targeted strikes and active protection of vessels to forcibly keep the strait open rather than a full blockade, which previously led to a sharp rise in oil prices just before the US midterm elections. This strategic shift reflects Washington’s attempt to balance pressure on Iran without triggering a spike in global oil prices.

The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of the US renewing a full blockade still on the table. The current approach allows Iranian oil exports to continue, complicating the geopolitical equation in the Gulf and raising questions about the next moves in this high-stakes confrontation.