What happened
Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz is weakening, according to analysts, as oil and petroleum product flows have reached about 80% of prewar levels. Excluding Iran, Middle East oil shipments have increased, with regional energy producers shifting their oil logistics to avoid the Strait. About 40% of crude now leaves the Gulf without transiting the Strait, up from 17% before the conflict began.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are expanding their pipeline capacity and export infrastructure, aiming to reduce their reliance on the Strait. The long-term outlook suggests a future where oil exporters pay little attention to the Strait, with Iran's regime having
