Iran has continued to ship large volumes of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict, with at least 11 million to 12 million barrels passing through the strategic chokepoint since February 28, Bloomberg reported, citing satellite tracking data.US-Israel-Iran War LIVE
According to Bloomberg, Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, a firm that monitors satellite imagery to track vessel movements, said Tehran has maintained oil flows through the waterway even as regional hostilities intensify. He added that the actual figure is likely higher, though satellite feed delays due to the conflict have made precise tracking more difficult.
Oil prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel at one stage on Monday amid concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Shipping activity through the passage has largely stalled since the conflict began, limiting the ability of major Persian Gulf producers to move crude to international markets and tightening supply.
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TankerTrackers.com relies on satellite imagery to monitor ships, enabling it to detect vessel movements even when tankers switch off their digital transponders to avoid tracking. According to the report, a Greek-operated tanker exited the Persian Gulf via Hormuz with its signal turned off and later reappeared near India’s coast.
The developments come as US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran, cautioning the Islamic Republic against escalating hostilities.
“They’ve shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it’s going to be the end of that country…If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran and you’d never hear the name again," Trump was quoted as saying.
Also Read:Trump Warns Iran Of ’20 Times Harder’ Response If Strait Of Hormuz Blocked
Trump also asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and claimed that ships have been entering the passage. He added that he is considering a potential US takeover of the vital shipping route.
The remarks followed a statement from the US Department of Defence saying the US has “only just begun its fight." Trump is also scheduled to hold a press conference as the conflict continues to rattle global oil markets.
Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News
