Trump team discussed seizing tankers with Iranian oil but decided against it
Photo: US fears seizing allied tankers could drive up oil prices (Getty Images)
Trump administration officials discussed the possibility of seizing tankers carrying Iranian oil. Washington sought to pressure Tehran over the nuclear deal but abandoned the plan due to the risk of retaliatory measures, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Read also: Global oil prices dip amid US–Iran crisis
The US has already seized several tankers carrying Iranian oil as part of a two-month blockade targeting vessels under sanctions that serve Venezuela. These tankers, part of a so-called "shadow fleet," transport "illegal oil" from multiple sanctioned countries to buyers, including China.
Politico reports that Washington’s decision to block oil shipments from Iran for other sanctioned tankers could undermine Tehran’s main revenue source, expanding the aggressive strategy outlined by the White House in December in the Caribbean.
Officials said this is one of several options the Trump administration is considering to pressure Tehran into a deal limiting its nuclear program. However, such a move would face major obstacles and could be considered an act of war.
In response, Iran might seize tankers carrying US allies’ oil or mine the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 25% of global oil supplies pass. Either step would likely drive oil prices sharply higher, potentially triggering a political backlash in the White House.
According to officials, in 2026 alone the US Treasury imposed sanctions on more than 20 tankers carrying Iranian oil, making them potential targets for confiscation.
US escalates pressure, Iran demands relief
Recently, US President Donald Trump signed an order allowing his administration to impose tariffs on goods from countries doing business with Iran. While tariffs have not been implemented immediately, they could reach up to 25%.
Additionally, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami said the country could agree to dilute uranium enriched to 60%, but only if all financial sanctions are fully lifted.
