Over 63 Million Barrels of Iranian Crude Oil Stranded After U.S. Tightens Sanctions Waiver

Washington:More than **63 million barrels of Iranian crude oil** have reportedly become stranded at sea after the United States shortened its sanctions waiver for Iran’s oil exports.
According to **Bloomberg**, vessel-tracking data shows that tankers carrying millions of barrels of Iranian crude are either sailing or anchored across routes stretching from the **Persian Gulf** to the **Strait of Malacca**.
The report warns that if the United States fully reinstates its blockade amid rising regional tensions, **nearly 50 million additional barrels** of Iranian crude oil and refined petroleum products could also become stranded.
The move follows U.S. accusations that Iran targeted commercial vessels in the **Strait of Hormuz**, prompting Washington to reimpose restrictions on Iranian oil sales.
Under the previous U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, Iran had been allowed to sell oil until **August 21**. However, the **U.S. Treasury Department** has now revised the waiver, shortening the deadline to **July 17** and effectively tightening sanctions on Iranian oil exports.