The ongoing conflict in Iran has severely disrupted oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supplies. Typically facilitating the movement of about 20 million barrels of crude oil daily, the strait is now experiencing a dramatic decline in vessel traffic due to a mix of ceasefires and blockades. Gulf states are increasingly reliant on alternative pipelines, such as Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline in the UAE, which together provide limited bypass capacity of 3.5 to 5.5 million barrels per day. However, these alternatives face their own challenges, including targeted attacks from Iran, which has highlighted the region's vulnerabilities. Iraq and Kuwait are particularly affected, with Kuwait's oil exports entirely dependent on Hormuz and Iraq's exports severely limited. While Iran has constructed its own bypass pipeline, its operational capacity remains far below expectations. The need for new infrastructure is clear, but the cost and time required to develop it pose significant hurdles. Ultimately, the situation underscores the geopolitical complexities of oil transport in the Gulf region.