US Blockade Halts Dozens of Iranian Oil Tankers
The US blockade of Iran has resulted in the stagnation of dozens of oil tankers along the country's coast, with additional vessels held up in the Indo-Pacific region, according to United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). As of October 5, at least 50 tankers carrying Iranian oil remain anchored near the nation, a figure that has remained largely unchanged for the past two months. These vessels primarily transport crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied petroleum gas.
UANI reported that empty tankers are avoiding Iranian ports due to the US blockade, instead lingering at anchorages across the Indo-Pacific. Notably, 20 Iran-flagged vessels are stationed off Sri Lanka, while one is off Oman. The US has imposed a near-total blockade on Iran, aiming to intensify economic pressure and compel Tehran to capitulate. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that Iran would have no oil on the water this week for the first time in history, citing an interview with Axios. The US military has redirected a total of 130 vessels.
Within the Persian Gulf, 11 laden tankers are anchored east of Kharg Island, Iran's primary export terminal, with another five further south. No tankers were observed loading at Kharg on Monday. Preliminary vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg indicates that Iran did not load any crude oil onto tankers in September, marking the first instance of zero loadings since the conflict began in February.