According to Bloomberg calculations cited by regional media, approximately 63 million barrels of Iranian crude oil are currently on tankers in the Persian Gulf and Asian waters without a clear destination. The United States canceled a 60-day temporary waiver that had allowed oil sales without sanctions risk, following recent attacks on oil tankers.
The Zioneer has been tracking the Iranian oil export surge. As reported over the past weeks, multiple tracking firms — including TankerTrackers, Bloomberg, and CNBC — documented a sharp increase in Iranian crude shipments after the United States lifted its naval blockade. Cumulative export figures reached 40-50 million barrels since mid-June, under a temporary 60-day waiver that allowed buyers to purchase Iranian oil without facing U.S. sanctions.
That waiver, part of interim understandings between Washington and Tehran, has now been revoked. According to Bloomberg calculations cited by regional media, approximately 63 million barrels of Iranian oil — already loaded on tankers in the Persian Gulf and Asian waters — are left without a guaranteed buyer or destination. The revocation followed recent attacks on oil tankers, though the specific attacks were not detailed in the report.
The stranded oil represents a significant volume, roughly equivalent to several days of global consumption. The development introduces new uncertainty into the oil market, as Iran's ability to sell its crude under the previous arrangement had been a key factor in stabilizing prices. Without the waiver, buyers risk U.S. sanctions, and the tankers may remain at sea indefinitely.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the surge in Iranian exports, including a TankerTrackers report on June 25 that 40 million barrels had been exported since June 15, and a CNBC report on July 2 that Iran sold over 40 million barrels in two weeks after the blockade was lifted. The current report suggests that a substantial portion of the oil shipped during the waiver period may now be in limbo.
- DevelopingBloomberg: 11 tankers with 20 million barrels of Iranian oil depart Chabahar this week
- DevelopingTankerTrackers: Iran has exported 50 million barrels of oil since sanctions relief
- StrongCNBC: Iran sold over 40 million barrels of oil in two weeks since US ended naval blockade
- DevelopingIranian national oil company says 25 million barrels of oil crossed blockade line
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