US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest? - Al Jazeera
The United States has conducted a series of military strikes against Iranian military infrastructure following ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, shipping data shows that while overall tanker traffic has decreased, some Chinese vessels are successfully navigating the region despite Houthi-led blockades.
Why it matters
The escalation of direct military conflict between the US and Iran, combined with disruptions to global oil shipping routes, poses a significant risk to global energy security and regional stability.
The number of tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz dropped to the lowest levels in more than two months on Thursday.
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The United States has continued to attack Iran for a 13th consecutive night on Thursday and explosions were reported in multiple Iranian cities on Friday morning.
In addition to the ongoing attacks, shipping disruptions continue to intensify. Ship tracking data revealed that just one tanker successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, marking the lowest level since May 7.
However, shipping data from London Stock Exchange Group shows that two Chinese supertankers carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia successfully exited the Bab al-Mandeb strait on Friday. This is despite the naval blockade Yemen’s Houthis announced against Saudi Arabia on Monday.
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