Escape from Hormuz: the oil tankers running the Iranian gauntlet

vitol, trafigura and mercuria have managed to get some of their oil tankers out of the gulf of hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. the strait of hormuz is a narrow passage between iran and oman, through which about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes. iran has previously threatened to close the strait and has seized vessels in the past. the trading houses' success in moving tankers comes as tensions in the region remain high, though the specific methods or timing of the recent movements were not detailed.