Gulf countries seek alternative oil and gas export routes amid Strait of Hormuz concerns
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 25
Gulf countries seek alternative oil and gas export routes amid Strait of Hormuz concerns
11 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 25
Goldman Sachs' Jared Cohen reports that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are planning new pipelines to bypass the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran's partial control.
Regional leaders believe the Strait is unlikely to return to previous normalcy, prompting united efforts to secure energy exports and mitigate prolonged elevated energy prices.
Gulf power brokers are prioritizing pragmatic solutions, favoring a tentative cease-fire and partial reopening of the Strait, while accepting Iran's missile capabilities and ongoing regional tensions.
Why do Gulf leaders prefer a risky 'half-solution' over confronting the root causes of conflict with Iran?
With bypass pipelines also under attack, are there any truly secure alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz?
How does a 'sloppy peace' with Iran reshape the Middle East's long-term security architecture?
As the world loses 11 million oil barrels daily, can strategic reserves truly prevent a global recession?
Could this massive energy crisis become the definitive catalyst for a global shift to renewable energy?
What makes Iran's regime so resilient against widespread protests and severe economic collapse?
2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Largest Oil Supply Interruption and Its Global Economic Impact
Overview
In early 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guards escalated attacks and threats in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a near-total shutdown of commercial tanker traffic and halting about 20 million barrels per day of oil and LNG exports. This disruption triggered sharp oil price surges, prompting the IEA to release strategic reserves and the U.S. to consider naval escorts. Gulf states increased exports through vulnerable alternative pipelines, exposing new chokepoints like Bab al-Mandeb and Fujairah to attacks by Iran-backed forces. The crisis severely impacted global markets, driving inflation, slowing growth, and disrupting critical supply chains, while highlighting the urgent need for diversified, secure energy routes and long-term resilience.