Iran Ships 12M Barrels Oil to China Amid Hormuz Tensions, Global Prices Soar

• Iran shipped nearly 12 million barrels of oil to China via the Strait of Hormuz in 12 days, despite its closure threat.
• This surge occurred after US-Israeli strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading Iran to vow revenge and warn vessels in the critical waterway.
• China, Iran's top oil buyer, continues imports, with tankers 'going dark' to avoid detection amid rising risks and disrupted traffic.
• Global oil prices surged (Brent $119.50, WTI nearly $119), and stock markets dropped, though China's vast reserves offer a buffer.
• Iran's Kharg Island terminal remains operational, while other Gulf producers scale back; China has $89 billion invested in the region.