Middle East crude oil exports are now exceeding pre-war levels, even as incidents involving tanker attacks increase, according to multiple reports. One outlet says exports average about 18 million barrels per day between March 2025 and February of the following year, covering the period leading up to the start of heightened conflict in the region.

The reports link the change in trade flows to the period after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran begins. While exports remain above earlier benchmarks, the growing number of tanker attacks adds risk for shipping routes and could affect market conditions even if volumes are sustained. The outlets agree on both the upward shift in export levels and the worsening security environment for maritime transport.

Overall, the situation reflects a divergence between volume and risk: crude shipments continue at relatively strong rates compared with pre-war baselines, but physical attacks targeting tankers increase, highlighting ongoing disruption concerns for regional oil logistics.