US blockade leaves 50 Iranian oil tankers stranded near coast

The US blockade of Iran has left at least 50 oil tankers stranded near the country’s coast, according to a recent update from United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). The vessels, carrying crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied petroleum gas, have remained largely unchanged in number over the past two months. Additionally, empty tankers are anchored across the Indo-Pacific, avoiding Iranian ports due to the ongoing blockade.

Twenty Iran-flagged vessels are currently off the coast of Sri Lanka, while one is near Oman. The US blockade aims to intensify economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that the country would have no oil on the water this week for the first time in history. So far, 130 vessels have been redirected as a result of the blockade.

Within the Persian Gulf, 11 laden tankers are anchored east of Kharg Island, Iran’s main export terminal, with another five further south. No tankers were observed loading at Kharg on Monday, highlighting the impact of the US restrictions on Iran’s oil export capabilities.