📰 Shadow Fleet Under Fire: Iran’s Strait Shutdown Threatens Russia’s War Chest and China’s Oil Lifeline

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are sending shockwaves through global energy markets after Iran effectively halted shipping through the strategic waterway. The disruption threatens the so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers used by sanctioned countries such as Russia and Iran to move crude across the world while avoiding restrictions.

Experts warn that if the shutdown continues, it could severely impact Russia’s oil revenues, which help fund its military operations, while also threatening China’s energy supply, since Beijing relies heavily on discounted oil shipments from the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying about 20% of global oil trade, meaning any disruption could trigger higher fuel prices, shipping chaos, and wider economic consequences worldwide.