Key Facts

• The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, important waterway carrying about 20% of the world’s energy supply.
• Iran closed the strait to most ships in March after conflicts with the U.S. and Israel.
• The U.S. and Iran both restrict ship passage through the strait, with a U.S. naval blockade starting mid-April.
• President Trump claimed the U.S. moved 100 million barrels of oil secretly through the strait during the conflict.
• Trump said this was part of a secret mission to support commercial ships escorted by the U.S. military.
• U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he was unaware of such large oil shipments, but confirmed some military help for ships was provided.
• Before the conflict, about 140 ships, carrying around 20 million barrels per day, passed through the Strait daily.
• Experts note that 100 million barrels equal about five days of normal traffic, which would need roughly 700 ships, more than current reported numbers.