US Blockade Traps Iranian Oil Stockpile Near Malaysia

The US blockade of Iranian oil has trapped nearly 40 million barrels aboard tankers in waters near Malaysia, posing a test for the Trump administration's 'endgame' against Tehran.

This stockpile could still give Iran a way to turn crude already outside the blockade zone into cash even as fresh exports are sharply restricted.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has launched Operation Economic Outcast, promising a 'zero-leakage approach' designed to cut off Iran's remaining sources of revenue after months of pressure on its oil sales and shipping networks.

The blockade appears to be making it harder for Iran to export new oil, with China's imports of Iranian crude falling to an estimated 534,000 barrels per day so far this month, down from roughly 823,000 barrels per day in July, according to provisional Kpler data reported by Reuters.