Millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil have become stranded at sea after the United States abruptly ended sanctions waivers that had allowed limited Iranian oil sales, according to a Bloomberg report.
Vessel-tracking data cited by Bloomberg indicates that supertankers carrying nearly 63 million barrels of Iranian crude are either moving at extremely slow speeds or remain anchored across waters stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Strait of Malacca, unable to deliver their cargo.
The report warns that if U.S. naval enforcement and sanctions are fully reinstated amid escalating military and diplomatic tensions with Iran, an additional 50 million barrels of crude oil and refined petroleum products could also become stranded at sea. Such a development could deal a significant blow to Iran’s oil exports and economy.
The latest developments follow U.S. accusations that Iran was responsible for attacks targeting commercial vessels near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. In response, Washington announced the reimposition of stricter sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s access to international oil markets.
The situation has raised fresh concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security, as investors closely monitor developments in one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
