Oil loadings at Kharg Island, Iran's key oil export base, have been suspended for at least a week. This is a highly unusual development, as Iran has maintained exports through the island even during past wartime periods.

The Financial Times (FT) reported on the 7th (local time), citing shipping and satellite data providers as well as energy experts.

Richard Bronze, Head of Geopolitics at Energy Aspects, assessed that the U.S. maritime blockade has effectively blocked oil tankers from entering and departing Kharg Island. He particularly noted that crude oil inventories at storage facilities on the island have not increased significantly, raising the possibility that Iran may have reduced its oil production itself to prevent storage facilities from reaching capacity.

According to FT and the intelligence firm Windward, operations at Kharg Island have been suspended since the 31st of last month. Satellite imagery analysis shows that all three loading berths have remained continuously empty. As of the 4th, only 16 vessels were anchored in waters near Kharg Island, the lowest figure since early last month.

UANI (United Against Nuclear Iran), a U.S.-based anti-Iran group, stated that not a single oil tanker loaded with Iranian crude has exited the Gulf since the 12th of last month.

The United States resumed its maritime blockade against Iran from mid-last month, blocking vessels heading toward the coast. In fact, on the 15th, U.S. Central Command disabled the oil tanker 'M/T Belmar' by firing a missile at its funnel as it attempted to break through the blockade and approach Kharg Island.

However, the FT projected that while the prolonged suspension of Iran's oil exports is unusual, it would not weaken Iran's negotiating position. Head of Geopolitics Bronze stated that Iran believes it holds the upper hand on the Strait of Hormuz issue and is willing to endure significant economic hardship to assert this position.