US weighs seizing more Iranian oil tankers to tighten economic pressure
World
Trump administration weighs seizing more Iranian oil tankers to curb Tehran’s revenue, amid fears of retaliation, Strait of Hormuz threats and global oil market volatility
WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - The Trump administration is seriously considering new measures to seize additional Iranian oil tankers as part of efforts to intensify economic pressure on Tehran, according to senior US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
The proposed move is aimed at targeting Iran’s primary source of revenue—its oil exports. Officials believe that if implemented, the plan could significantly strain Iran’s economy by curbing its ability to generate income through crude shipments.
However, the strategy faces multiple hurdles.
The most pressing concern among US officials is the likelihood of Iranian retaliation, which they describe as almost certain if the seizures move forward.
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Washington fears that Tehran could respond by targeting oil tankers belonging to US allies in the region or by deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies.
Experts have also warned that any such escalation could trigger sharp volatility in global oil markets and dangerously heighten military tensions across the region.
