The Iranian siege is broken: Oil exports from the Persian Gulf are higher than before the war

New data from Kpler shows that crude oil exports from the Persian Gulf in the last week of September exceeded the pre-war average, reaching 18.5 million barrels per day. The US effectively broke the Iranian siege of the Strait of Hormuz through naval protection and strikes, but Iran responded by increasing attacks in the region.

New data from the monitoring company Kpler, published by Reuters, indicates a surge in oil exports from the Persian Gulf in the last week of September. The seven-day moving average for crude oil exports stood at 18.5 million barrels per day on October 1, compared to 18 million before the war. On certain days, exports reached 22.5 million barrels. This is a dramatic development indicating the breaking of the Iranian siege on the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran's most powerful leverage tool. The US managed to ensure the passage of ships through naval protection and strikes against the Revolutionary Guards. Oil exporters developed a method of ship-to-ship cargo transfer in the Gulf of Oman. However, Iran responded by increasing attacks: in the past week, at least 7 attacks on vessels were recorded near the narrowest part of the strait. Oil prices remained high, around $101 per barrel, a 38% increase from their pre-war price, due to fears of Iran restoring its ability to disrupt traffic. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the strait will not be reopened until seven Iranian conditions set in an interim agreement with the US are met.