Washington Shelves Seizure of Iranian Oil Tankers Fearing Tehran Retaliation
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, American officials have indicated that the administration considered seizing oil tankers involved in transporting Iranian crude as a leverage tactic during nuclear negotiations. However, this action has been temporarily shelved due to serious apprehension over Tehran’s virtually guaranteed counter-measures and the subsequent volatility this would inject into global oil markets.
The Wall Street Journal reported that these specific tankers form part of the ‘shadow fleet,’ a network utilized to move sanctioned oil from several nations, chiefly to China.
Despite this deferral, US authorities acknowledge that the option of impounding the tankers remains one of several scenarios actively debated within the White House to compel Tehran toward an agreement limiting its nuclear program. Nevertheless, various significant obstacles stand in the way of such a drastic move.
The report outlines specific risks associated with escalation: Iran is highly likely to retaliate against US allies’ oil tankers in the region or, critically, proceed with mining the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to 25 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Either action would trigger a sharp rise in oil prices, potentially creating a significant domestic political crisis for President Donald Trump’s administration.
A university professor, quoted by the American media outlet, warned that while closing the strait benefits no one, Iran possesses the logistical capability and the motive to take such action if it feels cornered. The expert added that other Persian Gulf nations would face major challenges in their own oil exports and reminded observers that Iran’s capabilities far surpass those demonstrated by Venezuela.
