US official says nearly 40 million barrels crossed Hormuz in 48 hours
The figure comes as Iran and the US remain at odds over the terms for fully reopening the strait
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Map: The Gulf and Hormuz, marking Strait of Hormuz
A US official says nearly 40 million barrels of oil transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 48 hours.
A US defense official said about 60 commercial vessels crossed the strait on Wednesday, the highest crude volume since early July. About 40 vessels sought military escort to make the crossing. An Iranian official told Reuters the strait will stay shut until Iran's conditions are met, and ruled out nuclear talks or further concessions.
Washington and Tehran are discussing a phased deal that would lift the US blockade and reopen the strait fully, according to people familiar with the talks. Iran has said it presented a new proposal to the US aimed at reopening the waterway.
The volume reported over the past 48 hours matches recent transit patterns since the strait began reopening, pointing to continuity rather than a shift in either direction. With both sides still trading claims of progress and conditions, steady flows suggest the current operational standoff is holding without breaking down, a state that limits further downside for oil markets but offers no fresh reason for prices to rally.