Trending Now - Iran's Oil Shipments Persist Despite Strait of Hormuz Tensions
WHO:
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a CNBC interview on March 16th, 2026, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, "The Strait of Hormuz is open, it is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies."
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, stated on March 11th, 2026, "Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
Greg Newman, group CEO of Onyx Capital Group, said, "The Middle Eastern benchmark ... just reached $150 per barrel."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a CNBC interview on March 16th, 2026, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, "The Strait of Hormuz is open, it is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies."
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, stated on March 11th, 2026, "Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
Greg Newman, group CEO of Onyx Capital Group, said, "The Middle Eastern benchmark ... just reached $150 per barrel."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a CNBC interview on March 16th, 2026, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, "The Strait of Hormuz is open, it is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies."
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, stated on March 11th, 2026, "Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
Greg Newman, group CEO of Onyx Capital Group, said, "The Middle Eastern benchmark ... just reached $150 per barrel."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a CNBC interview on March 16th, 2026, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results."
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, stated on March 11th, 2026, "Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
Greg Newman, group CEO of Onyx Capital Group, said, "The Middle Eastern benchmark ... just reached $150 per barrel."
US President Trump stated, "Why are we maintaining the Hormuz Strait when it's really there for China and many other countries? Why aren't they doing it?"
Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran's military command, stated on March 11th, 2026, "Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security, which you have destabilised."
Darren Woods, CEO of Exxon, warned that prices could continue to increase if there are supply issues with refined oil and gas.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said, "The president is not going to take any options off the table… I would certainly think he would maintain that optionality if he wants to take down their energy infrastructure."
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated, "I am at the moment engaged in talking to them and my talking has yielded some results."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "The United States is letting Iran continue to ship its oil via the Strait of Hormuz."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, "The Strait of Hormuz is open, it is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies."
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a CNBC interview that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping its oil via the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers
Energy analysts at Kpler
Iraq’s electricity ministry
WHAT:
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers reported that two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
Natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day last week.
A tanker laden with crude oil appears to have cleared the Strait of Hormuz and is now sailing to Pakistan.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, increased to $106 per barrel on March 16th, 2026, before dipping to $103 per barrel.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with April delivery dipped 1.7% to $96.95 on March 16th, 2026, having surpassed $100 earlier in the session.
The average cost of regular gasoline in the U.S. was reported to be below $3 per gallon on February 28th, 2026, and has since increased to $3.70, marking a 23% increase in under three weeks.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers reported that two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
Natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day last week.
A tanker laden with crude oil appears to have cleared the Strait of Hormuz and is now sailing to Pakistan.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, increased to $106 per barrel on March 16th, 2026, before dipping to $103 per barrel.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with April delivery dipped 1.7% to $96.95 on March 16th, 2026, having surpassed $100 earlier in the session.
The average cost of regular gasoline in the U.S. was reported to be below $3 per gallon on February 28th, 2026, and has since increased to $3.70, marking a 23% increase in under three weeks.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers reported that two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
Natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day last week.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers reported that two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
Natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day last week.
At least 16 vessels in the region have been struck by drones or other weapons since the start of the conflict on February 28th, 2026.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
The average US cost of gasoline could reach $3.80 to $3.85 per gallon, according to petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan.
The average cost of regular gasoline in the US increased to $3.70, marking a 23% increase since February 28th, 2026.
The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait reduced oil output further as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz increases pressure on major producers.
A tanker laden with crude oil appears to have cleared the Strait of Hormuz and is now sailing to Pakistan.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, increased to $106 per barrel on March 16th, 2026, before dipping to $103 per barrel.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with April delivery dipped 1.7% to $96.95 on March 16th, 2026, having surpassed $100 earlier in the session.
The average cost of regular gasoline in the U.S. was reported to be below $3 per gallon on February 28th, 2026, and has since increased to $3.70, marking a 23% increase in under three weeks.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
The average US cost of gasoline could reach $3.80 to $3.85 per gallon, according to petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan.
The average cost of regular gasoline in the US increased to $3.70, marking a 23% increase since February 28th, 2026.
Energy analysts at Kpler estimated that Iran had been able to export 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Maritime intelligence company TankerTrackers reported that two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
The average daily volume of oil leaving Kharg Island in February 2026 was 2.04 million barrels, a 25% increase compared to the average figure in 2025.
A significant number of tankers are now waiting to collect oil from Saudi Arabia’s key port in the Red Sea as the country ramps up efforts to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia is offering long-term oil customers the option to receive their allocations for April via the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
Iran exported 12 million barrels of oil since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026, according to Kpler.
TankerTrackers estimated Iran exported 13.7 million barrels as of March 10th, 2026.
Iran is managing to ship about 1 million barrels per day (bpd).
Iran's average oil exports were 1.69 million bpd in 2025.
Two Iranian tankers were loading 2.7 million barrels of crude oil on March 12th, 2026.
India freed three Iranian oil tankers that had been seized in February 2026.
Natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day last week.
Approximately 170 million barrels of Iranian oil were at sea in January 2026.
WHERE:
The tanker Arctic Metagaz is drifting about 20 nautical miles off the Sicilian island of Linosa.
Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu in the Red Sea.
The tanker Arctic Metagaz is drifting about 20 nautical miles off the Sicilian island of Linosa.
Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu in the Red Sea.
The tanker Arctic Metagaz is drifting about 20 nautical miles off the Sicilian island of Linosa.
Saudi Arabia’s port of Yanbu in the Red Sea.
Strait of Hormuz
Kharg Island, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) off the Iranian coast
Saudi Arabia’s port in the Red Sea
Pakistan
WHEN:
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
The US conducted strikes on Kharg Island, an essential oil processing hub in Iran, on March 10th, 2026.
The U.S. conducted strikes on Kharg Island, an essential oil processing hub in Iran, on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026, and has now extended into its third week as of March 17th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been ongoing since the conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
Conflict began on February 28th, 2026.
US strikes against military targets on Kharg Island occurred on March 10th, 2026.
Negotiations for Indian tankers to pass occurred over the weekend of March 12th-13th, 2026.
WHY:
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
Iran is using its command of the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in its relations with countries seeking Middle Eastern oil, especially Asian customers.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is increasing pressure on major oil producers, prompting the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to further reduce oil output.
Iran is using its oil exports to sustain its economy and war effort amid ongoing conflict.
The United States has made no effort to halt Iranian tankers, despite destroying much of Iran’s navy.
HOW:
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Tanker tracking data and satellite images show that Iranian crude has flowed through the Strait of Hormuz even as the conflict has crippled exports of crude and natural gas from nearby Persian Gulf countries.
Iranian tankers frequently turn off their transponders to evade Western sanctions, with six Iranian VLCCs operating with their transponders off or broadcasting deceptive locations while at Kharg Island.
Iranian tankers frequently turn off their transponders to evade Western sanctions, with six Iranian VLCCs operating with their transponders off or broadcasting deceptive locations while at Kharg Island.
Tanker tracking data indicates that a tanker laden with crude oil has cleared the Strait of Hormuz and is now sailing to Pakistan after hugging Iran’s coast.
Iranian tankers frequently turn off their transponders to evade Western sanctions.
Iran is considering allowing oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if oil is traded in Chinese yuan.
(UPDATED March 17, 2026 13:22 UTC)
In a recent CNBC interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the strait remains open, except to vessels from their adversaries. Energy analysts report that Iran has exported 12 million barrels of oil since the conflict began on February 28, with prices for Brent crude reaching $106 per barrel before settling at $103, while the average price of gasoline in the U.S. has surged to $3.70 per gallon in just under three weeks. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar noted that his discussions with Iran have yielded positive results, as the country has significantly increased its natural gas exports to Iraq and continues to leverage its oil shipments amid ongoing regional tensions.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 09:13 UTC)
In a recent interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait remains open to all but their enemies' vessels. Energy analysts report that Iran has exported 12 million barrels of oil since the conflict began on February 28, and the average price of oil has surged, with Brent crude reaching $106 per barrel before settling at $103. Meanwhile, the average price of regular gasoline in the U.S. has jumped to $3.70 per gallon, reflecting a significant increase in just under three weeks.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 07:19 UTC)
In a recent interview, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing tensions in the region. Energy analysts estimate that since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has exported around 12 million barrels of oil, with reports indicating that two Iranian tankers loaded 2.7 million barrels just last week. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the Strait remains open, asserting that it is only closed to vessels from their adversaries.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:24 UTC)
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iranian officials warn that oil prices could soar to $200 a barrel, with military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari attributing this potential spike to regional instability. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the United States is allowing Iran to ship oil through the Strait of Hormuz, where energy analysts report that Iran has exported 12 million barrels since the conflict began on February 28. In related developments, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar indicated that diplomatic talks with Iran have yielded some positive results, while reports show that Iranian crude oil exports have surged, with two tankers loading 2.7 million barrels just last week.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 03:45 UTC)
Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Iran's military spokesperson warned that oil could soar to $200 a barrel, citing regional instability, while Onyx Capital Group's CEO noted that the benchmark price has already hit $150. Since the conflict began on February 28, at least 16 vessels have been attacked, and energy analysts estimate Iran has managed to export 12 million barrels, despite the ongoing turmoil, while the average cost of gasoline in the U.S. has risen to $3.70. In a recent statement, President Trump questioned the U.S. role in securing the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that it primarily benefits other nations, as a tanker laden with crude oil is now making its way to Pakistan.
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(UPDATED March 17, 2026 01:26 UTC)
Tensions in the Middle East are impacting oil prices, with Brent crude rising to $106 per barrel before settling at $103, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures dipped to $96.95 after briefly surpassing $100. This comes after President Trump’s recent military actions, including strikes on Kharg Island, which have intensified the ongoing conflict that began on February 28, and led to warnings from both Iran's military spokesperson and Exxon’s CEO about potential price hikes. Meanwhile, the average cost of regular gasoline in the U.S. has surged from below $3 per gallon to $3.70 in just under three weeks, reflecting the broader implications of the regional instability on global oil markets.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 23:06 UTC)
In a significant development, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, while US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz emphasized that President Trump is keeping all options open regarding Iran's energy infrastructure. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has reportedly exported 12 million barrels of oil, contributing to a rise in the average cost of gasoline in the US, which has increased to $3.70 per gallon, a 23% jump since the conflict started. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar mentioned that his discussions with Iran have yielded some results, as Iranian tankers continue to evade Western sanctions by turning off their transponders.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 21:08 UTC)
Today, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States is allowing Iran to continue shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the strait remains open, but closed to vessels from their adversaries. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has reportedly exported 12 million barrels of oil, with a notable increase in activity as two Iranian tankers loaded 2.7 million barrels on March 12, and the average daily volume from Kharg Island rose to 2.04 million barrels in February. Analysts indicate that Iran is leveraging its control over the Strait of Hormuz to negotiate with countries, particularly in Asia, while many of its tankers are evading Western sanctions by turning off their transponders.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 19:20 UTC)
In a recent CNBC interview, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States is permitting Iran to continue shipping its oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a significant number of tankers are now waiting to collect oil from Saudi Arabia’s key port in the Red Sea, as the country ramps up efforts to bypass the Strait, offering long-term customers the option to receive their April allocations via the port of Yanbu. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been ongoing since the conflict began on February 28, is putting pressure on major oil producers, leading the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to further reduce their oil output.
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(UPDATED March 16, 2026 15:16 UTC)
Today, energy analysts at Kpler reported that Iran has exported 12 million barrels of oil since the conflict began on February 28, while TankerTrackers estimated the figure at 13.7 million barrels as of last Monday. In a significant development, India has freed three Iranian oil tankers that were seized last month, and natural gas imports from Iran to Iraq have tripled to 18 million cubic meters per day. Amid these events, Iranian tankers are reportedly managing to ship about 1 million barrels per day, often evading Western sanctions by turning off their transponders.