US Blockade Halts Iranian Oil Exports Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

The US naval blockade on Iranian ports has effectively stopped Tehran's crude sales after operations at Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal, halted on July 31.

Satellite imagery analyzed by Windward confirmed that all three loading berths remained empty for an extended period, and only 16 vessels were anchored nearby, the lowest number recorded since early last month.

The blockade is a result of the US reimposing the naval blockade on Iranian ports in mid-July after an interim deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz collapsed.

Richard Bronze, head of geopolitics at Energy Aspects, noted that 'the blockade is effective, in the sense that there isn’t much tanker traffic going in or out,' but warned that Tehran may gain from higher oil prices on remaining barrels in the short term.