According to TankerTrackers.com, an organization that specializes in monitoring vessel movements via satellite imagery, Iran has continued to transport substantial volumes of crude oil through the critical shipping route of the Strait of Hormuz. Co-founder Samir Madani stated that since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, the Iranian government has moved at least 11 to 12 million barrels of crude via this waterway. He noted that the actual figure could be higher, but delays in satellite data transmission due to the conflict have affected accuracy.

On Monday, crude oil prices surged to nearly $120 per barrel. This increase is largely attributed to the near-total halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began, preventing most oil-producing nations in the Persian Gulf from delivering their supplies to global markets and putting pressure on production levels.

Satellite images released by the European Union showed that, as of last Saturday, two very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each capable of carrying around 2 million barrels of oil, were docked at loading terminals on either side of Kharg Island. No subsequent satellite imagery has been available for Kharg Island, leaving it unclear whether these terminals remain operational.

The images also revealed five VLCCs and two Suezmax tankers, each with a capacity of approximately 1 million barrels, anchored to the south and east of the island. Additionally, Iran has been loading crude from its Jask terminal, located on the eastern shore of the Strait of Hormuz.

Typically, tankers linked to Iran do not transmit location signals for most of their journey and only arrive at the Strait of Malacca at least 10 days after departing the Persian Gulf. By analyzing satellite imagery, TankerTrackers.com is able to track vessels that would otherwise evade detection by turning off their digital transponders.

In a related incident, a Greek-operated tanker recently exited the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz with its signals disabled and later reappeared near the coast of India.