Saudi vessels position for increased oil shipments as US blockade limits Iran's exports

Satellite imagery captured Saudi-flagged tankers on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz arranging for shuttle service, indicating the kingdom is ready to boost its oil exports. The movement comes as the United States maintains a naval blockade that was reinstated under the Trump administration, limiting Iran's ability to sell crude abroad and to import essential goods.

Analysts estimate that roughly 7 million barrels per day are still passing through the strait via clandestine ship-to-ship transfers involving Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, a figure lower than the pre-conflict level of about 20 million barrels per day. Combined with pipeline flows, the total volume reaching global markets is roughly half of pre-war levels, helping to temper price volatility.

Iranian officials have warned that the blockade could further damage the country's economy, which has already been weakened by the conflict. Majidreza Hariri, head of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, said the United States should understand the potential consequences of maintaining the blockade and suggested Tehran might pursue diplomatic or other measures to lift it.

"We must also eliminate the perception in the U.S. that it can resort to such an action whenever it wants, and make it understand that the consequences of such a move could be severe," Hariri said.

U.S. military resources in the region are reportedly strained, with the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln experiencing extended deployment challenges and other vessels facing logistical issues. These constraints have been cited as factors influencing recent U.S. decisions regarding further escalation.