Iran's Crude Oil Exports From Khark Island Halted Amid US Naval Blockade

(MENAFN- Khaama Press) Iran's crude oil exports from Khark Island have reportedly come to a halt amid a U.S. naval blockade of Iran, according to maritime intelligence company Windward, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.

Al Jazeera reported Monday, August 10, citing Windward's maritime tracking data, that all three oil terminals on Khark Island were empty, while 17 oil tankers with their transponders switched off were anchored around the island.

Windward said the lack of tanker loading activity, combined with vessels operating with their tracking signals disabled, was consistent with a disruption to Iran's crude exports.

Khark Island, located about 28 kilometers off Iran's mainland, is Iran's main crude oil export hub and typically handles about 90% of the country's crude exports. A prolonged disruption could therefore put significant pressure on Iran's oil revenues and affect global energy markets.

The reported halt comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, with maritime traffic and energy infrastructure increasingly affected by the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump has previously raised the possibility of taking control of Khark Island as part of pressure on Tehran. However, the United States has not publicly announced that it has seized the island.

Any sustained disruption to oil shipments from Khark could further restrict Iran's ability to sell crude on international markets. It could also increase uncertainty in global oil markets, particularly if the interruption affects the country's ability to maintain regular export volumes.

Windward's assessment is based on maritime tracking data and does not by itself establish the cause of the reported halt. The operational status of the terminals and the extent of any naval blockade remain subject to developments at sea and confirmation from the parties involved.

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