Saudi Oil Flows Through Strait of Hormuz, But at What Cost?

Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have returned to 13.1 million barrels per day, approximately 77 percent of pre-war levels.

This marks a significant increase from previous levels and has led some analysts to declare that President Donald Trump's strategy is working.

However, Dr. Michael Rubin argues that this increase may be due more to Saudi Arabia's decision to scale back its operations against the Houthi rebels in exchange for a deal to allow oil exports through the Bab el-Mandeb.

The deal was reached after Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman grew frustrated with the drain on Saudi resources and decided to reach out to the Houthis, similar to Trump's own agreement with the group.