The war between the United States and Iran has thrown the global oil market into turmoil, with two of the world’s most vital waterways— the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait— facing repeated attacks. President Trump affirmed that the United States is actively protecting the flow of oil, noting that Iran likely backed a recent September strike on Saudi infrastructure.
Escalating attacks in Hormuz
According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, 12 attacks on vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz were reported in the past week alone. Two cargo ships also sank after being hit by unknown projectiles. Iran has stepped up its campaign against tankers, aiming to curb the volume of oil exiting the Persian Gulf.
In response, the U.S. Navy has launched an operation that assists “dark” transits— tankers sailing with their transponders turned off— shuttling oil to waiting ships in the Gulf of Oman. The administration says the effort is “effective” and essential for maintaining market stability.
Houthi strikes widen the crisis
The conflict, now in its eighth month, has expanded to include fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran‑backed Houthi militants in Yemen. The Houthis have targeted Saudi oil tankers transiting the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait and have recently launched deadly strikes on Riyadh’s main international airport.
Before the escalation, the Bab al‑Mandeb handled roughly 3 million barrels per day of Saudi crude, part of a peak export flow of about 4.5 million barrels per day from the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Richard Bronze, co‑founder of Energy Aspects, said those flows “collapsed” after the Houthi threat intensified.
Analysts warn of higher prices
Analysts caution that continued attacks could push crude prices higher again. Johannes Rauball, senior crude analyst at Kpler, warned that if the Houthis begin threatening ships from all nations, “this would really create another blow for crude markets, really tighten balances.”
Georg Zachmann, a senior fellow at the Bruegel think tank, told CNN that oil‑importing nations must “structurally reduce their oil consumption” to become less vulnerable to external shocks. He added that such measures could help shield economies from an “increasingly uncertain world.”
U.S. response and regional adjustments
After a drone attack from inside Iraq damaged Saudi Arabia’s East‑West pipeline, Riyadh quickly pivoted, increasing crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz via the U.S.‑assisted shuttle operation. President Trump said Iran was probably behind the September attack, noting that Iran‑backed militia groups operate inside Iraq. Iran’s foreign ministry “categorically denied” the accusation.
The East‑West pipeline is now back online, according to multiple reports, allowing Saudi exports to resume through the Gulf of Oman while the U.S. continues its escort missions.
Impact on Asian buyers and future routes
Asian countries, the largest buyers of Saudi oil, have felt the brunt of the crisis but are adapting by cutting consumption and tapping strategic reserves. China, for example, has sharply reduced imports from Saudi sources.
Some Middle Eastern nations are exploring new export routes, including yet‑to‑be‑built pipelines, to diversify away from the vulnerable straits.
“The longer this conflict drags on, the less leverage Iran actually has, because other countries are able to create bypass routes,” Rauball said, underscoring the strategic shift underway.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
