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Saudi, UAE restore oil exports near pre-war levels

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 3:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Saudi, UAE Export Surge

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates restored crude oil exports to near-pre-war levels.
About 16.5 million barrels per day left the Gulf in September, matching the pre-war average.
Roughly 40 % of those exports now bypass the Strait of Hormuz, up from 17 % before the war.
War-risk insurance premiums rose to as high as 10 % of cargo value for ships near the strait.

Summary

IRGC Threatens Vessels

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebi warned vessel could be damaged.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported two tankers hit by unidentified projectiles, one causing a fire.
Gulf Shipping Association (PGSA) listed tankers AL RUWAIS, SINBAD and MERSIN PROSPERITY as non-compliant vessels.
U.S. Navy escorts give check-ins for ships crossing Hormuz, per U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Captains sail without lights or AIS, relying on coastlines, lighthouses, decks.

History

Historical Context

In the 1980-88 Iran–Iraq war, Iran’s attacks on Kuwaiti tankers led the UN Security Council to adopt Resolution 598 on 20 July 1987. The United States then launched Operation Earnest Will (24 July 1987-26 Sept 1988), sending numerous warships to escort hundreds of vessels; the campaign cost over 100 sailors’ lives, damaged more than 30 million tons of cargo, and faced Iranian mines and speedboat raids. The convoy model still shapes Gulf security for regional oil flow and trade.

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Saudi, UAE Export Surge

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates restored crude oil exports to near-pre-war levels.
About 16.5 million barrels per day left the Gulf in September, matching the pre-war average.
Roughly 40 % of those exports now bypass the Strait of Hormuz, up from 17 % before the war.
War-risk insurance premiums rose to as high as 10 % of cargo value for ships near the strait.

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