US Says 1.25 Billion Barrels of Oil Have Passed Through Hormuz Under Its Protection

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) says American forces have supported the passage of more than 1.25 billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in recent months, while Iran's crude oil exports have reportedly ground to a halt following a US naval blockade.

In a statement released on Thursday, October 8, CENTCOM said oil shipments from other Persian Gulf countries continued to move through the strategic waterway under American military protection, despite restrictions preventing Iran from exporting crude oil through its ports.

The development comes as Washington intensifies efforts to restrict Tehran's oil revenues amid the ongoing conflict.

According to Reuters, Persian Gulf countries, excluding Iran, exported an average of 19.2 million barrels of crude oil, gas condensate and refined petroleum products per day in September. This represented more than 81 per cent of the volume recorded before the war began on February 28.

Saudi Arabia reportedly played a significant role in increasing regional oil exports to help maintain supplies and stabilise energy flows.

Earlier reports by the Financial Times indicated that oil tanker loading operations at Kharg Island, Iran's main crude oil export terminal, came to a complete halt following the reinstatement of the US naval blockade in mid-July.

Satellite imagery and vessel-tracking data reportedly showed a sharp decline in tanker movements around the facility.

However, available shipping data suggests that the blockade has not completely stopped all Iranian petroleum shipments.

In August, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) reported that although no tankers carrying Iranian crude oil had breached the blockade, three vessels transporting Iranian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) had successfully departed through the Sea of Oman.

This indicates that the reported suspension of crude oil exports does not necessarily mean that every category of Iranian petroleum product has stopped reaching international markets.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy supplies, connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping lanes. Any disruption to traffic through the waterway can affect global oil supplies, energy prices and shipping costs.

The contrasting situations facing Iran and its neighbouring oil-producing countries highlight how the ongoing conflict and US maritime restrictions are reshaping regional energy exports.

While other Gulf producers have increased shipments under American protection, Iran continues to face significant obstacles to exporting its crude oil.

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