U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright claims that Middle East oil shipments have surged to 15 million barrels per day, even surpassing pre-war levels at one point. Yet, vessel-tracking analysts remain skeptical, citing data that suggests flows are far lower than official figures.

An ambitious reconstruction effort aims to reshape the flow of Middle Eastern oil by reviving the historic 800-kilometer Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline. Faced with shipping blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, this multi-billion-dollar endeavor seeks to divert up to 300,000 barrels of Iraqi crude per day, marking a major shift in global energy routes.