Despite ongoing hostilities, around 90 vessels, including oil tankers, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war with Iran, allowing the country to continue exporting millions of barrels of crude.
Maritime and trade data indicate that Iran has maintained significant oil shipments even as the strategic waterway experiences partial closures.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported that a number of these transits were “dark” sailings, evading Western sanctions and likely linked to Iranian operations. In recent days, ships registered in India and Pakistan have also passed through the strait following diplomatic negotiations with Tehran.
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel amid the disruption, prompting US President Donald Trump to call on allied nations to deploy warships to reopen the strait and ease pressure on global energy markets. Since early March, most commercial shipping has been suspended in the area, and approximately 20 vessels have been targeted in attacks.
Nevertheless, Iran has exported more than 16 million barrels of oil since 1 March, with China remaining the primary buyer due to the risks posed by sanctions.
Analysts say Iran is leveraging its control over the strait to sustain exports while profiting from elevated oil prices.
According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, of the 89 ships that passed through the strait between 1 and 15 March, 16 were oil tankers and more than 20 per cent were affiliated with Iran. Pakistan- and India-flagged vessels also navigated the waterway successfully following diplomatic discussions.
Experts suggest that Iran has effectively established a “safe corridor” along its coastline for select ships while restricting others, a strategy that could continue to influence tanker movements and maintain higher energy prices globally.
