Iranian Oil Tankers Idled by US Blockade

A growing number of Iranian oil tankers is gathering off the country's coast, signaling that the renewed US naval blockade is having a significant impact on Tehran's energy exports.

According to the nonprofit group United Against Nuclear Iran, some 50 laden vessels, mostly carrying crude but also fuels and liquefied petroleum gas, were idling along Iran's coastline in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as of Tuesday. This is up from 45 a week earlier and 36 when the blockade was renewed on July 14.

The blockade, which has been in place since July 14, aims to disrupt Tehran's energy exports and deprive it of much-needed revenue. The recent increase in idling vessels suggests that this strategy is working, at least partially.