Middle Eastern crude oil exports have seen a significant rebound, now reaching nearly 80% of pre-war regional levels. Ship-tracking data indicates that crude exports from major producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE climbed to almost 13 million barrels per day this month. This marks the highest export volume since February, when regional exports were around 19 million barrels per day.
This recovery has reportedly diminished Iran's leverage in negotiations with the United States regarding oil flow disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. The improved situation is attributed to more effective strategies by the US Navy and Persian Gulf oil producers in countering or circumventing Iranian threats. Saudi Arabia has also started moving crude through its East-West pipeline, though volumes remain reduced, and loading tankers in the Red Sea.
The increase in oil flows is occurring despite continued tensions and claims from Iran of attacking ships, including US Navy vessels, near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state-linked media have asserted that these actions have forced Washington to move its warships further from the Iranian coast. The Pentagon has reported 861 service members wounded and 19 deaths since the conflict began on February 28.
