Five tankers seen loading oil on Iran's Kharg Island, as US blockades Strait of Hormuz - report

In a significant development amid heightened tensions, five Iranian oil tankers have been sighted loading crude oil at key terminals, even as the United States maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Satellite imagery and expert analysis confirm the presence of these vessels at Kharg Island, the primary hub for Iran's oil processing and export, and at Bandar Mahshahr. This sighting challenges U.S. claims of a complete enforcement of the blockade.

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US officials said that no Iranian vessels have been able to break the blockade since it was imposed on Monday, with the US Central Command saying 21 ships have complied and returned to Iran after being warned.

While U.S. officials assert that no Iranian vessels have breached the blockade since its imposition, the presence of these loaded tankers raises questions about the effectiveness of the U.S. naval operation. The report indicates that these tankers may be serving a dual purpose: continuing to move oil out of the system while also acting as crucial 'floating oil storage.' This strategy is reportedly aimed at preventing damage to Iran's vital oil infrastructure, which requires a constant flow of product to remain operational.

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The terminals need a constant flow of oil to avoid damage, with tankers serving as 'floating oil storage' that keep the site functioning.

This situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Persian Gulf. Iran's ability to continue loading oil, even if primarily for storage, demonstrates its resilience and strategic maneuvering in the face of international pressure. The U.S. Central Command's statement about 21 ships complying with the blockade suggests a degree of success, yet the ongoing tanker activity highlights the persistent challenges in fully controlling maritime traffic in this critical waterway. The report's inability to pinpoint the location of tankers near Chabahar Port and the U.S. refusal to comment further add layers of ambiguity to the unfolding maritime situation.

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The tankers spotted in Kharg have a carrying capacity of 5 million barrels, the report noted, and allow Iran to keep oil moving out of the system and avoid a buildup that would force shut-ins.