Besent said on Monday during an interview with CNBC that the U.S. currently allows Iranian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring oil supply to other parts of the world. Due to Iran's attacks on commercial ships in the Persian Gulf, the number of oil tankers passing through the strait has significantly declined. Despite the large presence of the U.S. Navy in the region, Iran continues to export millions of barrels of oil through this narrow maritime passage, with current oil exports averaging about 1.5 million barrels per day. Besent stated that the Trump administration believes that oil tanker traffic through the strait would increase before the U.S. Navy and its allies begin providing escort for commercial ships. He said that oil tankers supplying India have already passed through the strait, and the U.S. believes some Chinese vessels have also left the gulf. The Trump administration is pressuring countries that rely on the strait for oil transportation to assist the U.S. in protecting oil tankers from Iranian attacks. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran two weeks ago, international oil prices have risen by about 40%. On Monday, the international benchmark Brent crude oil was hovering around $102 per barrel. The UAE said that due to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, its crude oil production has fallen by more than half.
Additionally, UAE authorities said that a drone from Iran ignited a fuel storage tank at Dubai International Airport early Monday morning. Meanwhile, Iran continues to launch attacks on civilian infrastructure across the entire Persian Gulf region. Israel, meanwhile, said it will continue to strike Iran as necessary.
Image source: network
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859887642206219/
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