The energy‑tracking firm DropSite reports that Iran currently holds around 174 million barrels of crude oil in floating storage, placing the cargoes outside the reach of any potential US naval interdiction. According to the analysis, Iran pre‑loaded its tankers at almost three times the normal export rate before the onset of recent regional tensions.
Analysts say a U.S. maritime blockade near Iranian ports would not affect oil that has already been shipped into open waters.
Data indicates that at least 15 Iranian tankers are positioned near the port of Chabahar, 96 vessels are off the coast of Malaysia, several more have entered the Strait of Malacca, and an additional 23 million barrels are located east of the “US toll line” in the Gulf of Oman.
According to "Khat-e Energy", assuming current export levels continue, Iran is capable of maintaining oil shipments for up to 80 more days based solely on the crude already at sea.
M.Majdi - Mahboubeh Habibi
