The Trump administration considers seizing more Iranian oil tankers - The Wall Street Journal

Investing.com – According to The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, the Trump administration has been discussing whether to seize more oil tankers carrying Iranian oil as part of pressure on Tehran, but has been hesitant due to concerns over potential retaliation and impacts on the global oil market.

The U.S. has already seized several ships transporting Iranian oil as part of its blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers serving Venezuela, which began two months ago. These ships, known as the “shadow fleet,” help smuggle illegal oil from various sanctioned countries to China and other buyers.

Expanding this strategy to prevent more sanctioned ships from loading oil in Iran would further cut off Tehran’s main source of revenue. This approach would build on the tough policies implemented by the White House in the Caribbean in December.

However, U.S. officials say this option faces significant challenges. Iran might respond by seizing oil tankers carrying oil from U.S. allies or by laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

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