US Navy Targets Iranian 'Floating Storage' to Block $13 Billion in Oil Revenue

The United States has escalated its maritime campaign against Iran, aiming to cut off more than $13 billion in oil revenue by intercepting empty tankers that Tehran plans to use as floating storage or to restart exports despite the naval blockade on its ports. The effort focuses on preventing Iran from using these vessels to store crude at sea or circumvent restrictions on export traffic, a strategy designed to starve the Iranian government of funds.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), over 70 oil tankers have been immobilized by the blockade. These ships are capable of carrying more than 166 million barrels of Iranian oil, valued at over $13 billion. A U.S. official stated that Washington is working to block Iran from using empty tankers as a means of storing oil at sea or bypassing export restrictions.

Blocking Iran's Oil Route

CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces used precision munitions to disable two tankers, confirming they could no longer proceed toward Iranian ports. The military emphasized that the naval blockade remains fully enforced, preventing ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports in operations spanning the region and beyond.

The U.S. military also diverted 57 commercial vessels and disrupted the movement of four others to prevent them from reaching or departing Iranian ports. These operations involve the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and more than 20 other U.S. warships, marking one of the largest naval blockades in the region in recent years.

This escalation comes as commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slows sharply. Data from S&P Global Intelligence indicates a decline in transits by international shipping companies in recent days.

Iran has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by targeting oil tankers and civilian vessels. A spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters claimed U.S. forces attacked an Iranian oil tanker and another ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, CENTCOM stated that Iranian forces carried out "unprovoked attacks" against U.S. naval vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and that U.S. forces acted in self-defense. These developments occur as Washington continues economic and military pressure on Iran, alongside diplomatic efforts to end the war and reach understandings regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.