Iran has increased its oil shipments to China even as heavy fighting and threats in the Strait of Hormuz threaten to discontinue global shipping.
The nation says its forces now control the key waterway, a route that normally carries about one‑fifth of the world’s oil
Iran’s wider conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has turned the strait into one of the most dangerous shipping zones seen in years.
Data from TankerTrackers shows Iran has moved at least 11.7 million barrels of crude oil to China through the strait since February 28, the day the war began.
All confirmed cargoes were headed to Chinese buyers, with satellite monitoring indicating that many tankers switched off their tracking systems to avoid detection after Iran warned it could strike any vessel trying to pass.
Iran Embraces China More Amid Conflict
The estimated total volume of shipments by Iran since the beginning of the conflict, according to shipping analysts at Kpler, is about 12 million barrels, clearly showing that China remains Iran’s main customer even in wartime.
At the same time, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has publicly declared that the Strait of Hormuz is now under full Iranian control, which has led to an 80 percent reduction in maritime traffic in the area.
China is still receiving oil despite the shutdown because Iran continues to send tankers that either go dark or load at alternative terminals.
Iran resumed loading vessels at its Jask terminal along the Gulf of Oman, south of the strait.
However, the U.S has rejected Iran’s claim of full control and has announced plans to escort commercial tankers if needed.
U.S forces have not yet restored normal shipping, and the waterway remains de facto closed due to the risks.
China’s Strategic Oil Plan
China depends on Iran mainly for cheap, steady crude, which strengthens its energy security amid global instability.
The nation buys Iranian oil because the discounted price is well below global market rates, giving Chinese refineries, especially independent teapot plants, low‑cost feedstock that keeps fuel production profitable even when shipping routes are disrupted.
China also uses Iranian supplies to diversify away from other major producers and reduce exposure to U.S.‑linked markets and sanctions pressure.
Even during the war, Iran can still deliver oil by loading tankers at the Jask terminal outside the most dangerous part of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing China to receive shipments while other buyers lose access.
This makes Iran a reliable option for China at a time when Middle East supply chains are breaking down.
China continues to purchase because the economic gains outweigh the risks, and Iran remains one of the few suppliers willing to sell large volumes under sanctions.
Troubled Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is now one of the most dangerous shipping zones in the world as attacks on vessels increase.
On March 11, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed multiple recent strikes, including two vessels hit minutes apart, one about 11 nautical miles off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz and another 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai.
Crews reported fires, damage, and emergency evacuations as projectiles struck without warning.
The body also reported repeated projectile hits and near‑miss explosions across the Gulf of Oman and UAE waters, with vessels struck near Fujairah and blasts reported west of Sharjah.
Major carriers, including Maersk, have suspended transits through the Strait of Hormuz and are redirecting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Gulf entirely.
Mariners have been advised to maintain wide separation from Iranian waters, energy facilities, and military sites to lower the risk from projectiles, drones, or mines.
