Iran Crude Exports Halted Amid US Blockade

Iran's crude oil exports have come to a near-halt in September due to a US naval blockade, according to satellite-based tracking data. The country loaded no crude in September, down from about 250,000 barrels per day in August.

Kpler and Vortexa, two third-party trackers, also reported zero crude loadings for the month, marking the first time shipments have flatlined since the war started in February.

The blockade is squeezing Iran's access to energy customers, making it harder for Tehran to probe around its Persian Gulf ports. This complicates efforts to keep oil moving to China, a vital source of cash while Washington works to isolate Iran's economy.