U.S. Military Moves 15 Million Hormuz Barrels, Prolonging Iran War

3 articles · Updated · Fortune · Aug 23

More than 15 million barrels of oil and products moved through the Strait of Hormuz in one day with U.S. military help, undercutting Iran’s claim that the waterway is closed.
About 10 million barrels a day are reportedly using a U.S.-protected corridor along Oman’s coast after last month’s bombing degraded Iran’s radar and maritime surveillance, enabling nighttime tanker runs.
Even so, the seven-day average is about 8 million barrels and private estimates put the past month at 6 million-7 million a day, leaving a supply deficit that is forcing consuming countries to draw down reserves.
That partial flow supports a “managed disruption” in which Iran’s leverage is weaker but still sufficient to avoid urgency on either side, raising the odds of a stalemate stretching into 2027.
Analysts say the balance could break if Brent climbs above $105-$110 a barrel or if Iran escalates before U.S. midterms, potentially triggering stronger U.S. military action.