Pentagon: Iran Loses $5 Billion Under US Blockade

The United States Department of Defense has estimated that its maritime blockade has cost Iran nearly $5 billion in lost oil revenues, intensifying economic pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions.

According to reports, the blockade in the Gulf of Oman has significantly disrupted Iran’s ability to export crude oil, a critical source of national income. US officials view the measure as a central tool in applying leverage during efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, particularly as diplomatic talks continue to stall.

A Pentagon spokesperson stated that the blockade is being enforced at full capacity and is delivering the intended impact. Officials argue that restricting oil exports is limiting Iran’s ability to finance activities viewed by Washington as destabilizing in the region.

Since the operation began in mid-April, US forces have redirected more than 40 vessels attempting to pass through the affected waters carrying oil and other goods. Current estimates indicate that at least 31 tankers, loaded with approximately 53 million barrels of Iranian oil, remain stranded in the Gulf, with a combined value of around $4.8 billion.

With storage capacity on land nearing its limits, Iran has reportedly begun using older tankers as floating storage units. At the same time, some shipments are being rerouted through longer and more expensive maritime routes, particularly toward Asian markets, in an effort to avoid interception.

US Central Command has confirmed that naval patrols will continue in international waters to maintain the blockade, with dozens of commercial vessels already instructed to alter their routes or return to port to ensure compliance.