Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure as oil flows recover

Yesterday 13:30

By: Azzat Manal

Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure as oil flows recover

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below normal levels despite the continued movement of oil and energy cargoes through the strategic waterway, as diplomatic efforts and military tensions continue to shape the outlook for maritime traffic.

The strait has become a central point in the confrontation between Iran and the United States. Tehran recently proposed a seven-day plan that would allow the waterway to reopen to normal commercial shipping while broader negotiations resumed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the proposal was transmitted to Washington through Qatari mediators.

US President Donald Trump subsequently rejected the Iranian proposal, saying the terms were not acceptable. The decision has left the future of maritime traffic uncertain, even as both sides have indicated that diplomatic contacts could continue through intermediaries.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A significant share of globally traded oil normally passes through the waterway, meaning prolonged disruption can affect crude prices, shipping costs and energy security well beyond the Gulf region.

Despite the sharp reduction in vessel movements, substantial volumes of oil are still being transported through the area. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has put current oil flows through the strait at around 13 million barrels per day, indicating that energy shipments remain active despite the restrictions affecting broader maritime traffic.

The composition of current flows has also changed compared with earlier periods. Iranian oil exports have been heavily disrupted, while shipments from other Gulf producers have continued to provide part of the supply reaching international markets.

Saudi Arabia has meanwhile increased its crude exports after a significant decline in August. Data cited by energy market analysts showed average Saudi crude exports reaching about 6.27 million barrels per day during the first 24 days of September, compared with approximately 3.41 million barrels per day in August.

The increase has helped restore part of Saudi Arabia's export capacity following disruptions to regional infrastructure and shipping. The kingdom has also sought to maintain alternative routes and logistical options as regional security conditions remain uncertain.

For international energy markets, the continued movement of crude through Hormuz provides some relief, but the situation remains sensitive to developments on the ground. Any further restrictions on shipping could quickly affect supply expectations because alternative export routes have limited capacity compared with the volumes normally handled by the strait.

The United States has also increased its role in protecting commercial energy shipments in the Gulf. Washington has said that its forces are working to support the movement of oil, gas and refined petroleum products through the strategic waterway, while the presence of naval escorts has become part of efforts to maintain maritime traffic.

The diplomatic dimension remains equally important. Iran has linked the reopening of the strait to broader conditions involving the conflict, sanctions and US military pressure, while Washington has rejected Tehran's latest proposal. The two governments nevertheless remain engaged indirectly through mediators, leaving open the possibility of further negotiations.

The uncertainty surrounding Hormuz continues to be closely watched by governments, shipping companies and energy traders. While current oil flows suggest that the global market is still receiving significant supplies, the persistence of restricted maritime traffic means that the strait remains a major source of risk for global energy security.