The Financial Times reports that a US blockade is significantly disrupting Iran’s oil exports, forcing it to store growing volumes of crude on aging tankers in the Persian Gulf instead of shipping them normally, especially to Asia.
Satellite and shipping data show a sharp rise in “floating storage,” with dozens of tankers now anchored near key export hubs like Kharg Island and Chabahar. Analysts say the US Navy’s enforcement actions have redirected or blocked many vessels, reducing Iran’s ability to export.
@CopernicusEU #Sentinel1
🛰️RADAR📷
2 JAN – 14 MAY 2026
Time-lapseKharg Island and anchorage
Note the ebb and flow of anchored ships (mostly tankers, staying dark on AIS) over the weeks.
Especially, the noticeable build up of anchored tankers from mid-APR onwards.
Most… pic.twitter.com/dmfryBh09b
— Charlie B (@supbrow) May 18, 2026
As a result, Iran is relying more on old tankers and limited onshore storage to manage excess production, but this only provides temporary relief and constrains its oil trade capacity.
