Satellite imagery suggests that Iran’s key oil export terminal on Kharg Island is nearing maximum storage capacity as the ongoing US naval blockade continues to disrupt Tehran’s crude exports and shipping operations in the Gulf. The blockade, imposed on April 13, has sharply reduced tanker activity around the island.
European satellite images taken between May 8 and May 11 showed no oil tankers anchored near Kharg Island preparing to depart, signaling a major slowdown, and possibly a suspension, of oil loading operations at Iran’s primary export hub.
To cope with the restrictions, Iran had previously used oil tankers as floating storage facilities after US naval forces prevented many vessels from safely leaving the Gulf. Reports indicated that Tehran continued loading crude onto anchored ships in an effort to sustain exports despite mounting pressure.
Recent satellite analysis, however, indicates that even these emergency storage measures may be nearing their limits. Sentinel-2 satellite images from May 11 showed empty docks and significantly fuller storage tanks compared with images taken before the blockade began, suggesting that remaining storage space is rapidly shrinking, according to news reports.
The number of tankers anchored near Kharg Island has also surged, rising from just three vessels before the blockade to at least 18 tankers by May 11. Additional ships were observed near Iran’s Chabahar port close to Pakistan, though it remains unclear how many vessels are fully loaded with crude oil.
Energy analysts warn that if storage facilities become completely full and exports remain blocked, Iran could be forced to cut oil production at some fields. US officials have argued that the blockade is severely damaging Iran’s economy, with Washington claiming Tehran is losing nearly $500 million per day due to restricted oil exports.
