WSJ: Trump administration weighs seizing Iranian oil tankers

Senior Trump administration officials have discussed expanding US seizures of tankers transporting Iranian oil but have refrained, citing the near-certain risk of retaliation from Tehran and potential disruptions to global oil markets, according to the latest report by The Wall Street Journal.

The US has already seized several vessels involved in Iran’s oil trade as part of a two-month-old campaign targeting sanctioned tankers linked to Venezuela. These vessels, part of a so-called “shadow fleet,” facilitate the illicit movement of crude from Iran, Russia, and other sanctioned countries to buyers such as China.

Blocking additional sanctioned tankers in Iran would further squeeze Tehran’s main revenue source, intensifying the White House’s strategy to pressure Iran into a deal limiting its nuclear program. However, officials warn such action could provoke Iran to seize tankers carrying oil from US allies or even mine the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which roughly 25% of the world’s petroleum supply passes, potentially triggering sharp spikes in oil prices.

More than 20 ships transporting Iranian crude have been sanctioned this year, making them potential targets for seizure. If US forces board a tanker, they would need to divert personnel and possibly escort the vessel to the US or another location willing to store the oil. The Treasury Department recently sanctioned 14 additional vessels and shipping companies in countries including Barbados, Cameroon, and Panama, while many of the ships are operating far from Iranian waters.

The US has bolstered its regional military presence to support any potential action. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, alongside five guided-missile destroyers and Coast Guard units in Bahrain, could facilitate tanker boardings or enforcement operations. While Trump has emphasised diplomacy, administration officials stress that a range of options exists if talks fail, including targeting tankers to further isolate Iran economically.

Iran has previously threatened commercial vessels and could respond aggressively if cornered, though analysts note a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz would harm Tehran as well as Gulf exporters. The situation remains tense, with the US warning commercial ships of Iranian threats in the Strait and Gulf of Oman.

By Tamilla Hasanova