Naval blockade on Iran: oil exports almost completely halted

The American naval blockade on Iran, renewed at the end of July, has almost completely paralyzed Iranian oil exports. Satellite images show that for a week no tanker loading was recorded on Kharg Island, through which about 90% of exports pass. The regime struggles to pay salaries, annual inflation reached 69%, and unemployment rose to 9.1%. The central bank governor warned that food and medicine stocks will run out by the end of August.

The American naval blockade on Iran, renewed at the end of July following the disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz by the Revolutionary Guards, has almost completely paralyzed Iranian oil exports. Satellite images analyzed by the Financial Times show that for a week no oil tanker loading was recorded on Kharg Island, the main export terminal through which about 90% of all oil exports pass. Tehran has begun to reduce oil production in its fields to prevent a shortage of storage space. The regime struggles to pay security forces personnel, and Trump told reporter Barak Ravid that "they have no money to pay their soldiers. Our naval blockade is very effective." The International Monetary Fund forecasts that Iran's economy will contract by 6% in 2026, and annual inflation stands at about 69%. Unemployment rose from 7.3% to 9.1%, and 450,000 citizens lost their jobs in the past year. The central bank governor wrote a letter to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and warned that food and medical equipment stocks will run out by the end of August if the blockade continues. President Pezeshkian threatened to resign and warned of public unrest. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi called for sanctions relief within a diplomatic agreement.