Iranian oil terminals remain empty as United States blockade halts crude exports

Iranian crude oil exports have stopped as the main loading terminals in the country remain empty, Bloomberg and Rigzone reported. Analysis of ship-tracking data and European Union satellite imagery reveals that no tankers have docked at Kharg Island crude export terminals since late August. This represents the longest stretch of inactivity at the Persian Gulf facility since military conflict between the United States and Iran began in February. [1][3]

According to Rigzone, the absence of vessels at Kharg Island demonstrates the impact of a renewed military blockade on Iranian shipping that the United States initiated three months ago. The naval operations have effectively throttled export routes out of the country. [1]

The operational halt at key maritime infrastructure follows a sharp drop in trade volume over recent months. Rigzone reported that Iranian crude exports declined from almost 1 million barrels a day in July to zero by late August. [1]