Hormuz bottleneck: Iranian tankers stall under US pressure

More than 20 Iranian oil tankers are anchored in the port of Chah Bahar in Iran, outside the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported.

IMAGE: Flags of the US and Iran. Getty Images

As of last week, the US CENTCOM has redirected at least 34 vessels trying to enter or exit Iranian ports, it said.

The vessel backlog between the Strait of Hormuz and the US blockade line indicates that Washington’s efforts to intercept Iranian vessels are effectively slowing Tehran’s oil exports.

Iranian crude flow to Asian countries has dropped sharply, with no new tanker arrivals since 24 April, maritime intelligence firm Windward reported.

As of yesterday, a total of 13 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz, consisting of 3 inbound and 10 outbound transits. Of these, 12 vessels were AIS-visible, while one outbound vessel was operating without AIS, according to Windward.

“Across the system, vessel behavior reflects a controlled but restricted environment, where movement continues under enforcement pressure and broader logistical constraints,” the maritime intelligence agency said.

Prior to the Middle East conflict's outbreak on 28 February, the Strait of Hormuz facilitated about 20% of daily global seaborne crude oil transit.

Although the ensuing disruption has pushed prices above $110/bbl, Brent crude remained largely unmoved by US President Donald Trump’s recent suggestions of a potential de-escalation.

On Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran had “informed” Washington it was in a “state of collapse” and wanted the Strait reopened. 

“Iran has just informed us that they are in a 'State of Collapse.' They want us to 'Open the Hormuz Strait,' as soon as possible,” Trump wrote.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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