US Blockade Costs Iran $4.8B-$5B in Oil Revenue

A U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman, imposed on April 13, 2026, has cost Iran approximately 4.8 billion to 5 billion dollars in lost oil revenue, according to Pentagon estimates. The operation has stranded 31 tankers carrying about 53 million barrels of crude and redirected more than 40 commercial vessels attempting to transport Iranian oil or cargo.

U.S. Central Command reported that 49 vessels have been turned back or rerouted since the blockade began, following the collapse of ceasefire talks in Islamabad. Pentagon officials described the measures as targeted enforcement against sanctioned maritime trade, aimed at limiting Iran's ability to fund regional activities. Two tankers have been seized, and Iran has resorted to using older vessels as floating storage amid full onshore facilities. Some shipments have taken longer routes toward China to evade interdiction.

The blockade responds to Iran's earlier restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit point, after hostilities escalated on February 28, 2026. U.S. forces maintain the restrictions will continue until navigation returns to pre-February 27 conditions. Acting Pentagon Press...