The US Central Command announced that more than 70 tankers have been prevented from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
This move represents a new escalation in US actions related to the naval blockade and pressure on Iranian oil exports.
In a post on the X platform, US Central Command stated that the commercial vessels that were prevented from entering were capable of transporting more than 166 million barrels of Iranian oil.
This oil is valued at more than $13 billion, according to Reuters.
Escalating pressure on oil exports
The US announcement comes amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing military movements related to maritime and energy security in the Gulf.
Washington seeks to tighten restrictions on Iranian oil exports and prevent its access to global markets.
Political circles view the US move as part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran.
This particularly impacts oil revenues, which constitute a major source of Iranian income.
Strategic importance of sea lanes
The Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz hold immense strategic importance, given that a significant portion of global oil trade passes through these waterways.
Therefore, any security or military developments there are closely monitored internationally.
Observers fear that recent US actions will further escalate tensions in the region.
These actions are also likely to impact maritime shipping and global energy markets, particularly if maritime interceptions and restrictions continue in the coming period.
Watch for Iranian reactions
There has been no official comment yet from Iranian authorities regarding the announcement by the US Central Command.
Meanwhile, political and military circles are closely monitoring potential reactions to this move.
nternational markets are also watching developments closely, amid concerns about the impact of any further escalation on oil prices and global supply chains.
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