PANews reported on April 2nd, citing the Financial Times, that Gulf states are re-evaluating costly pipeline projects to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and ensure oil and gas exports due to the threat posed by Iran's potential long-term control of this shipping chokepoint. Government officials and industry executives point out that despite the high costs, political complexities, and years-long timeframe of the pipeline project, it may be the only way to reduce Gulf states' dependence on the strait. The current conflict further highlights the strategic value of Saudi Arabia's 1200-kilometer-long East-West Pipeline. Built in the 1980s to address concerns about the strait's closure due to the Iran-Iraq Tanker War, it has become a vital lifeline, transporting 7 million barrels of crude oil daily to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia is currently considering how to export more crude oil via the pipeline, with options including expanding the East-West Pipeline's capacity or opening new routes. (Jinshi Data APP)