Gulf nations have found ways to keep oil flowing through the Iran war, but the costs are mounting

Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz at the start of a war, but Gulf oil producers including Saudi Arabia have maintained sufficient global oil supplies nearly seven months later, preventing economic collapse despite elevated prices. Analysts attribute the stable supply to increased production from Gulf nations offsetting Iranian disruptions, though higher crude costs create political challenges for U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders. The sustained flow masks mounting operational costs for Gulf producers navigating the conflict's risks.