Middle East crude oil exports have returned to prewar levels as producers reroute supplies through alternative pipelines, ports and ship-to-ship transfers to navigate Iran conflict disruptions. After flows through the Strait of Hormuz were severely curtailed following the U.S.-Iran war that began Feb. 28, Saudi Arabia and Gulf producers found workarounds despite pipeline attacks and militant threats. Goldman Sachs estimates exports reached 19 million barrels daily, while J.

P. Morgan reports a 17.5 million bpd average—98% of prewar levels. The export system now operates with three exits: 60% through Hormuz (often via maritime relay), 23% from Gulf of Oman coast, and 17% via Red Sea.

Iran remains isolated, unable to move crude through the waterway since U.S. blockade reinstated in July, with satellite data showing no seaborne exports. The recovery—surviving Red Sea squeezes, U.S.-Iran MoU lapses, and pipeline attacks—eases global supply concerns and limits oil price gains, though stalled negotiations and Red Sea threats maintain volatility risks.