Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil giant, reported a 33 percent increase in adjusted net income for the second quarter, rising to $33.4 billion compared to $25.2 billion during the same period last year. The company’s financial performance was bolstered by higher global energy prices.

A central factor in the company’s recent operational strategy is the use of the East-West Pipeline. This infrastructure allows Saudi Arabia to transport oil across the kingdom to the Red Sea, effectively bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is a critical maritime chokepoint that has historically been a source of geopolitical tension, particularly regarding Iran’s influence over the waterway.

Middle East Eye reports that the pipeline serves as a strategic model for other regional nations, such as the UAE and Syria, seeking to reduce their reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports. While the report links the rise in energy prices to regional geopolitical conflicts, it notes that the company’s ability to maintain consistent export routes remains a key component of its financial stability.