Iran's Oil Exports Thrive Despite US Strait of Hormuz Blockade

The US Navy's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz isn't stopping Iran's oil exports. Maritime analytics firm Kpler reports that despite the blockade, Iranian ports are still busy with tanker ships coming and going. In fact, Iran is exporting crude oil to China at a rate of 985 thousand barrels per day in early April alone. Kpler notes that the flow of oil hasn't been interrupted since the blockade began. Interestingly, Iran's Jask oil export terminal has reached a record high of 5.8 million barrels stored. Tankers can leave Jask for the Gulf of Oman without needing to navigate through the strait. Kpler states, "The blockade has disrupted the oil machinery, but has not destroyed it." On the US side, Central Command reports that 31 ships, mostly oil tankers, have been diverted as part of the blockade, and they have even seized an Iranian-flagged ship recently. This matters because it shows that despite US efforts, Iran's oil trade continues to thrive, impacting global oil markets and prices.