US CENTCOM Says It Is Blocking More Than 70 Tankers From Iranian Ports, 166 Million Barrels of Crude Stranded

The US military said it is blocking more than 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday, May 8, 2026. In a post on the social media platform X, CENTCOM said the commercial vessels have the capacity to transport more than 166 million barrels of Iranian crude oil with an estimated value above $13 billion.

According to CENTCOM, the naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has been in force since April 13, 2026 and is executed by more than 15,000 troops, 200 aircraft and 20 warships. The operational objective is to turn back Iran-linked maritime traffic and tighten the squeeze on Tehran's oil export revenues. The number of blocked tankers, which stood at roughly 42 to 52 in late April, has crossed the 70 threshold in days, reflecting an intensification of inspections.

Ship-tracking data compiled by Anadolu show that no major commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the 24 hours leading up to 0900 GMT on May 8 — the second consecutive day with effectively zero major transits. Given the strategic chokepoint's weight in global crude shipments, the suspension is hitting regional tanker movements directly; war-risk premiums for shipowners and P&I clubs are holding around 2.8% of contract value.

The blockade is adding to pressure on regional shipping and energy flows as security risks remain elevated around the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Energy markets are seeing intensifying concerns over supply disruptions, while the war and related maritime restrictions continue to affect tanker movements across the Gulf region. CENTCOM's latest figures suggest that a large volume of Iran-linked oil cargo remains stranded as the conflict continues, sustaining downward pressure on Tehran's export revenues.

Key Takeaways:
1. US CENTCOM said on May 8 that more than 70 commercial tankers are blocked from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
2. The blocked vessels carry an estimated 166 million barrels of crude valued at over $13 billion.
3. The naval blockade has been in force since April 13, 2026 and is executed by 15,000+ troops, 200 aircraft and 20 warships.
4. No major commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz in the 24 hours to 0900 GMT on May 8 — a second consecutive day.
5. Tanker counts, which stood at roughly 42-52 in late April, have crossed 70 within two weeks, signalling sustained pressure on Tehran's export revenues.