Iran’s main crude-loading terminal at Kharg Island has seen no tanker dockings since late August, leaving Tehran’s crude exports at zero. Exports had run at almost 1 million barrels a day in July, before a US naval blockade of Iranian shipping was renewed about three months ago.
Kharg Island handles almost all of Iran’s crude exports, while the port of Jask accounts for only a small share. The blockade is the latest turn in a conflict that began in February 2026. A ceasefire deal temporarily lifted the blockade in July, but the shipping ban was reimposed in mid-July.
Iran’s exports under pressure
Iranian crude exports totalled nearly 650 million barrels in the year through April. Most of that oil went to China, and the loss of those barrels is now being felt in global markets.
Chinese refiners are turning to other sources to replace Iranian supply. That shift has pushed oil prices higher and fuelled a rally in freight rates, according to the reporting.
Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran has stepped up attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Some 25 ships were targeted in and around the strait in the first two weeks of October. Reported incidents numbered 15 in August and 18 across September.
Also Read
A small vessel, the chemicals and products tanker Clavel, appeared berthed at Kharg on Oct. 10, the first sign of activity after about 40 days of dormancy. Tankers at the jetties between Sept. 12 and 15 handled only LPG and sulfur.
What the satellite images show
Satellite imagery has tracked the terminal closely. The longest gap between images over Kharg Island was three days. Fully loading a very large crude carrier typically takes 24 to 48 hours.
