U.S. Considers Iranian Oil Tankers Seizure to Pressure Tehran
The strategy under review comes amid long standing U.S. accusations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, claims Tehran denies, insisting its activities are peaceful. Washington has already intercepted a number of vessels moving Iranian oil in recent months as part of a broader campaign targeting a so called “shadow fleet” used to ferry sanctioned crude, particularly to China and other buyers.
Senior officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump have debated whether to expand this interdiction by confiscating Iranian linked tankers, but have hesitated to take that step, the Journal said. Concerns include potential retaliation from Tehran and the risk of destabilizing global oil markets.
The tanker seizure option is one of several being discussed at the White House as part of pressure tactics to push Iran into agreeing to limits on its nuclear activities, though it “faces many obstacles,” U.S. officials told the outlet.
According to the report, Iranian retaliation could include seizing vessels carrying oil from U.S. regional allies, a move that might sharply drive up crude prices and pose political challenges for the administration. The U.S. Treasury Department has this year sanctioned more than 20 vessels it alleges are involved in transporting Iranian oil, potentially making them targets for seizure.
When asked about the possibility of U.S. forces boarding tankers linked to Iran, a White House official told media that Trump supports diplomatic efforts but “has multiple options at his disposal if the talks collapse.”
The report was published against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, including recent U.S. deployments of additional naval and air assets to the Middle East. Washington has demanded that Iran accept a policy of “zero enrichment” and has repeatedly warned military action remains possible if diplomacy fails, while Tehran insists enrichment is a sovereign right tied to national dignity.
In a Tuesday interview, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy while also preparing for potential conflict, stating, “there is no solution but a diplomatic solution,” and adding that technology and advancement “cannot be destroyed through bombings and military threats.”
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