The United States Central Command said Friday that American forces are currently preventing more than 70 commercial tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports, significantly escalating pressure on Iran’s oil export network amid rising regional tensions.
According to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessels involved collectively have the capacity to transport more than 166 million barrels of Iranian oil valued at over $13 billion.
“There are currently more than 70 tankers that U.S. forces are preventing from entering or leaving Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in its statement. The military command added that the restricted ships are capable of transporting “over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth an estimated $13 billion-plus.”
The statement did not specify the exact locations where the tankers were being held or monitored, nor did it identify the companies or countries connected to the vessels. CENTCOM also did not clarify whether the operation involved direct naval interdictions, sanctions enforcement measures or maritime inspections.
The development comes during heightened tensions surrounding Iranian oil exports and maritime activity near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. The waterway handles a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Washington has repeatedly accused Tehran of using oil sales to finance activities that violate U.S. sanctions, while Iran has continued to defend its energy exports as legitimate under international trade norms.
The latest CENTCOM statement also follows a series of escalating maritime measures and new Iranian shipping regulations announced in recent days involving vessel clearance procedures in the Strait of Hormuz. Global shipping markets and oil traders have been closely monitoring developments due to concerns over supply disruptions and potential impacts on energy prices.
There was no immediate official response from Iran’s Foreign Ministry or the Iranian Oil Ministry regarding the U.S. military statement. However, Iranian officials have previously criticised American sanctions and maritime enforcement operations as unlawful and politically motivated.
Energy analysts say any prolonged disruption involving dozens of tankers could affect global oil supply chains, particularly at a time when international markets remain sensitive to geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
The situation is expected to remain under close international scrutiny as both Washington and Tehran continue to exchange warnings over maritime security, sanctions enforcement and regional military activity.
Key Highlights
- Blockade on Iranian ports remains fully active, according to CENTCOM
- No ships currently allowed to enter or leave Iranian ports
- More than 15,000 U.S. troops involved in the operation
- Over 200 aircraft and 20+ warships deployed across the region
- 73 tankers reportedly unable to transport 166 million barrels of Iranian oil
- Oil cargo affected estimated to be worth over $13 billion
- More than 50 vessels redirected to ensure compliance
- Military assets include aircraft carriers, destroyers, drones and surveillance aircraft