Iran's Khark Island tanker backlog hits record high as U.S. blockade order creates bottleneck for crude oil exports

The U.S. Navy’s blockade operation continues to pressure Iran’s energy exports, with the scale of ship gatherings around Khark Island reaching the highest level in a month, and Iran’s oil production may be forced to further contract.

According to reports, about 23 oil tankers are currently congregating near Khark Island, Iran’s main crude oil export hub, marking the highest level since the U.S. Navy began its blockade operation against Iranian ports about a month ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command disclosed that as of May 17, the U.S. forces have forced 81 commercial vessels to turn back and rendered 4 ships incapacitated.

This bottleneck situation directly reflects the mounting pressure on Iran’s oil export system. Charlie Brown, a consultant at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), a U.S. nonprofit policy advisory organization focusing on Iran issues, stated, “More and more ships are gathering at the anchorage around the island, indicating that delays and bottlenecks are intensifying in Iran’s crude oil and petroleum export system.”

As exports are hindered and storage facilities approach saturation, operations at Khark Island have visibly slowed. If the situation persists, Iran may be forced to cut oil production, further tightening its crude oil supply.

More updates to follow…

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