Iran — 2026-08-10

Maritime Data Shows Iran Crude Oil Exports From Khark Island Halted as 17 Tankers Anchor With Transponders Off Amid US Blockade

BLUFResumption of Kharg loading is unlikely within the next 30 days, leaving Tehran without its primary revenue stream and eroding its leverage in stalled Hormuz negotiations.

Windward maritime intelligence data, cited by Al Jazeera and relayed by Khaama Press, showed all three loading berths at Kharg Island empty as of Monday, with 17 tankers anchored nearby and running with transponders switched off 1. The Financial Times reported Friday, in accounts relayed by the Jerusalem Post and Iran International, that no tankers had loaded at Kharg for at least a week, with Kpler and Energy Aspects dating the halt to July 31 23. Windward separately counted 16 tankers in the anchorage the prior Tuesday, the lowest since early last month 2. Kharg normally loads about 90 percent of Iran's crude exports 12, and the halt follows a US naval blockade reimposed on Iranian ports in mid-July after an interim Strait of Hormuz agreement collapsed 2.

Analysis
Loading at Kharg is unlikely to resume within 30 days, given the blockade's demonstrated effectiveness and Tehran's willingness to absorb revenue losses rather than concede on Hormuz terms, with Washington tying any lift to the stalled Iran-Oman deal. Extended idling strands Iran's tanker fleet outside the Gulf, eroding capacity to resume exports after any settlement. Confidence is high given satellite imagery, vessel tracking, and independent analytic providers, though sourcing leans secondary without government confirmation. This marks a shift from Iran's earlier selective transit curbs, which held China-bound exports steady in March, to a total halt. The absence of storage buildup could instead reflect deliberate Iranian curtailment timed to the talks rather than blockade enforcement alone. Resumption within the window would signal blockade failure, prompting traders to price in returning barrels; continued idling sustains the squeeze keeping Tehran at the table.

3 sources

Irans Crude Oil Exports From Khark Island Halted Amid US Naval Blockade - Khaama Press
No tankers loaded at Kharg Island for a week amid US blockade, FT says - The Jerusalem Post
Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal idled by US blockade - FT - Iran International