Despite War-Threatened Shipping Routes, Iran Continues Oil Exports to China via Strait of Hormuz

Iran continues to send millions of barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz despite the war between the United States–Israel alliance and Iran disrupting this critical shipping route.

According to CNBC, data from vessel tracking systems show that Iran has dispatched at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on 28 February 2026, with all shipments destined for China.

This information was provided by Samir Madani, one of the founders of ship-monitoring company TankerTrackers.com.

According to Madani, many vessels have “disappeared from radar” after Tehran threatened to attack any ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping intelligence data provider Kpler estimates that approximately 12 million barrels of crude oil have passed through the strait since the conflict erupted.

Kpler oil analyst Nhway Khin Soe stated that China is likely the primary destination for most of this oil.

“Because China has become the leading buyer of Iranian oil in recent years, most of these barrels will likely be headed there,” said Soe.

To date, China’s National Energy Administration has not responded to requests for comment.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that is vital to global energy trade. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass through this strait.

However, since the war broke out last month, vessel traffic in the region has declined sharply as many tanker ships are avoiding the conflict zone.

In fact, less than two weeks after the war began, 10 vessels in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz were attacked by Iran, resulting in at least seven maritime fatalities, according to the International Maritime Organization.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman warned that tanker vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must “exercise extreme caution”.