Iran Sends Millions of Oil Barrels to China via Hormuz Despite War
Iran has exported approximately 11.7 million barrels of crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S.-Israel war began on February 28, 2026, despite the conflict severely disrupting shipping in the waterway. The war has led to vessels going dark, attacks on ten ships, and at least seven fatalities, raising security concerns. Iran is attempting to use the Jask terminal as an alternative export route, but it is less efficient than the primary Kharg Island facility. Meanwhile, China has increased its Iranian oil imports by 15.8% in early 2026 and built substantial stockpiles to mitigate supply risks. The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil, and contributed to higher oil prices. International responses include U.S. President Trump urging ships to transit the strait, while the war shows no immediate de-escalation.
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Iran continues to export crude oil to China through the Strait of Hormuz despite a war with the U.S. and Israel that has severely disrupted shipping in the vital waterway.
Exports Persist Despite Conflict
Iran has sent at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz to China since the war began on February 28, 2026, according to TankerTrackers.com.
Shipping intelligence firm Kpler estimates around 12 million barrels have passed through the strait.
Many vessels have turned off tracking systems ("gone dark") after Iran threatened attacks on ships using the waterway.
Security Risks and International Reactions
Ten vessels in or near the strait were attacked by Tehran in the first two weeks of the war, killing at least seven seafarers, per the International Maritime Organization.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman warned tankers to be "very careful."
U.S. President Donald Trump urged ships to "show some guts" and transit the strait, claiming Iran has no navy.
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Alternative Export Efforts
Iran has resumed loading tankers at the Jask terminal on the Gulf of Oman, which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Jask is less efficient: loading a supertanker can take up to 10 days compared to one or two days at Kharg Island.
Analysts note Jask has propaganda value but limited logistical advantage.
China's Stockpiling Strategy
China's crude imports from Iran surged 15.8% in the first two months of 2026 compared to a year earlier, as Beijing builds reserves.
Iranian crude loadings hit a record high of 3.78 million barrels per day in the week of February 16.
China's estimated crude stockpiles stand at 1.2 billion barrels, enough for 3-4 months of demand, according to the Atlantic Council.
This stockpiling is driven by U.S. targeting of Iran and Venezuela as supply sources.
Global Impact
The war has kept tensions high around the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil and gas passes.
Oil prices have risen due to supply disruption fears.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, maintaining uncertainty in energy markets.
