Hormuz oil flows reportedly near pre-war levels, but data unverifiable

The U.S. claims 18 million barrels per day crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday under American protection, near the pre-war 20 million bpd, but independent shipping data shows only 11-12 visible vessel transits, far below the claimed volume. The discrepancy suggests either a surge in unflagged or dark-fleet activity or an overstatement by Washington; the true flow rate remains uncertain. This matters because Hormuz transit levels are a key barometer of global oil supply and geopolitical risk in the Gulf.