U.S. Permits Iranian Oil Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States has announced that it is allowing Iranian oil tankers, along with vessels from India and China, to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed this policy during a CNBC interview, stating, “The Iranian ships have been getting out already, and we’ve let that happen to supply the rest of the world.” This decision comes as the region faces significant disruptions in oil supply due to ongoing military conflicts involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel.

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The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes daily. However, since the onset of hostilities on February 28, 2026, tanker traffic has sharply declined due to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels. Despite this, Bessent noted that shipments to India and some Chinese vessels have successfully navigated the strait, indicating a cautious resumption of oil transport.

US lets Iranian oil tankers pass Hormuz as conflict sends crude soaringMiddle East MonitorCNBCUS allows Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz, says Bessent By Investing.comWashington ExaminerThe Hill

The ongoing conflict has led to a dramatic increase in oil prices, with Brent crude rising to around $102 per barrel, up from approximately $72 prior to the conflict. The International Energy Agency has characterized the situation as the largest oil supply disruption in history, predicting a potential decline of 8 million barrels per day in global oil supplies this month. Bessent expressed optimism that oil prices could stabilize below $80 per barrel once the conflict concludes.

CNBC

Bessent emphasized that the U.S. administration's approach aims to maintain global oil supplies and stabilize prices. He stated, “We want the world to be well-supplied,” and acknowledged that any further actions to mitigate rising energy prices would depend on the duration of the conflict. Additionally, he dismissed rumors regarding U.S. intervention in oil futures trading, clarifying that no such actions have been taken.

US lets Iranian oil tankers pass Hormuz as conflict sends crude soaring

While the U.S. policy aims to alleviate supply issues, critics argue that allowing Iranian tankers to pass could embolden Iran and escalate tensions in the region. Some analysts have raised concerns about the long-term implications of this strategy on U.S. foreign policy and regional stability.

Oil Crisis: US Allowing Iranian Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

Reports indicate that while some Iranian tankers are successfully navigating the Strait of Hormuz, the overall traffic remains significantly reduced due to safety concerns. The exact number of vessels currently transiting the strait varies among sources, highlighting discrepancies in reporting on the situation.

US lets Iranian oil tankers pass Hormuz as conflict sends crude soaring

As the conflict continues, the U.S. anticipates an increase in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz before U.S. Navy and allied forces potentially begin escorting commercial ships. The administration is also engaging with international partners to address the broader implications of the conflict on global energy markets.

Middle East Monitor

• “We are seeing more and more of the fuel ships start to go through.” — Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

Times of Israel

• “the world will be safer and we will be better supplied.” — Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

CNBC

• “We haven't done that,” regarding intervention in oil futures trading. — Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

CNBC