Kuwait exported zero barrels of crude oil in April 2026, a first since the 1991 Gulf War, says TankerTrackers. This halt is linked to shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, Qatar, and the US.
Kuwait did not export any crude oil during April, marking the first time in over three decades that the Gulf producer has recorded zero monthly crude exports, according to TankerTrackers website.
In a post on X, the monitoring group said, "Breaking: During April 2026, Kuwait exported zero barrels of crude oil for the first time since the end of Gulf War I." https://x.com/TankerTrackers/status/2050615197316833626
The development, if confirmed, would represent Kuwait's first month without crude exports since the end of the 1991 Gulf War. TankerTrackers said that while Kuwait continues to produce oil, exports of crude have effectively halted.
"Kuwait still produces oil which it then takes partly into storage and partly into refined products; some of which has been exported," they added. https://x.com/TankerTrackers/status/2050619802633286113 It added, "Crude oil however, hasn't departed to our best knowledge."
The firm, which tracks global maritime oil shipments, added that the disruption appears linked to conditions affecting regional shipping routes, including constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. The country remains a major OPEC producer, and its oil exports are a key component of global energy supply chains, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Qatar Urges De-escalation and Freedom of Navigation
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Qatar urged Iran to adhere to provisions of international law, the UN charter, and prioritise the interests in the region amid the security situation in West Asia, with the need to support efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Sharing the details in a post on X, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi.
"Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasised that freedom of navigation is a well-established and non-negotiable principle, and that closing the Strait of Hormuz or using it as a bargaining chip would only exacerbate the crisis and jeopardise the vital interests of the region's countries. He noted the potential negative repercussions this could have on global energy and food supplies, as well as on the market and supply chains' stability", the statement said.
"In this context, the Prime Minister stressed the need to adhere to the provisions of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and to prioritise the interests of the region and its people to contribute to strengthening regional and international security and stability, and to support efforts to de-escalate tensions", it further noted.
US Navy Reroutes Vessels in Persian Gulf
Meanwhile, the United States has redirected 48 vessels in the Persian Gulf, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, over the past 20 days amid ongoing enforcement actions related to restrictions on Iranian maritime assets by the US Navy. The update was shared by US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a post on X on Saturday, which said that the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) was operating in the Arabian Sea as part of its deployment during what it described as a blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran Confirms Diplomatic Proposal to US
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, on Saturday confirmed that Tehran's recent diplomatic proposal to the United States, presented via Pakistan as a mediator, is intended to "permanently end the imposed war" and bring a resolution to the ongoing tensions between the two countries. According to the state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the remarks came in a gathering of foreign diplomats and ambassadors based in Tehran, where Gharibabadi emphasised Iran's preparedness for both diplomatic negotiations and any potential military aggression. (ANI)
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