Iran Oil Exports Halted by US Blockade

The US maritime blockade has halted Iran's crude oil exports, but experts say this may not weaken the country's negotiation power.

A report by The Financial Times (FT) revealed that operations at Kharg Island have been suspended since July 31. Satellite imagery analysis showed all three crude oil loading berths on the island remained empty, with only 16 vessels waiting at anchor near the island as of August 4.

According to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a US-based anti-Iran advocacy group, no oil tankers carrying Iranian crude have exited the Persian Gulf since July 12. The FT noted that while Iran has maintained crude oil exports through Kharg Island during the current conflict, it is extremely rare for such a suspension of exports to last this long.

The report forecasted that this suspension of Iranian crude oil exports would not lead to a weakening of Iran's negotiation power.