US Weights Taking Iranian Oil Tankers to Pressure Tehran

(MENAFN) Reports indicate that the United States is evaluating a plan to seize tankers carrying Iranian crude as a strategy to push Iran toward agreeing to limits on its nuclear program. The discussions are part of a broader effort to increase leverage over Tehran.

Washington has long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, while Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are entirely for civilian purposes. In recent months, the US has taken control of multiple vessels transporting Iranian oil as part of a campaign targeting sanctioned tankers, some of which are alleged to be part of a “shadow fleet” moving crude from heavily sanctioned countries to buyers such as China.

Senior officials within the US administration have debated whether to directly confiscate Iranian ships but have refrained, concerned about retaliation from Tehran and possible disruptions to global oil markets. These considerations make the option politically sensitive, according to reports.

Iran would likely respond to any intensified US enforcement by seizing tankers carrying oil from American allies in the region, potentially driving oil prices sharply higher and creating risks for the White House. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has sanctioned more than 20 vessels this year, all potentially subject to seizure.

When asked about the possibility of the US boarding tankers linked to Iran, a White House official told reports that Trump favors diplomacy but “has a range of options available if negotiations fail.”

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