Iran's Selective Strait of Hormuz Closure

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil and gas transport waterway, has seen most shipping traffic halted since early March due to a war with Iran. Despite this, Iran has managed to export over 16 million barrels of oil, primarily to China, by utilizing 'dark' transits and selectively allowing certain vessels through. The United States has pressured allies to reopen the strait and has allowed some Iranian oil tankers to pass to stabilize crude prices, which have jumped over 40%. India and Pakistan have also successfully negotiated passage for their vessels. Iran's control over the chokepoint allows it to profit from oil sales and exert pressure on global energy markets, leading to a 'selective closure' rather than a complete shutdown.