Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei has mocked the United States over the impact of the ongoing conflict, claiming that the war has effectively taken around 15% of oil tankers, or approximately 1,200 vessels, out of service.
According to reports cited by RT, Rezaei made the remarks while discussing the disruption to shipping and energy markets caused by the conflict.
He taunted the United States over its earlier expectations that the war could be brought to an end within days and that Washington would be able to gain control of Iran’s oil and gas resources.
Strait of Hormuz Faces Major Disruption
Rezaei’s comments come as shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted.
Reuters reported that only seven commodity ships crossed the strategic waterway on August 20, compared with normal traffic levels that previously accounted for almost 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
No large crude oil carriers or LNG tankers were recorded among those crossings on that day, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets.
Ships Remain Stranded in Gulf
The disruption has also affected commercial vessels operating across the Persian Gulf.
According to the US Naval Institute, at least 70 ships remained trapped in the Persian Gulf earlier this month as the conflict continued to affect maritime traffic.
The sharp decline in vessel movements has created significant challenges for shipping companies and energy producers that rely on the waterway to transport oil and gas to international markets.
Oil Flows Drop Sharply
The impact has extended beyond shipping.
Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly fallen dramatically this month, declining from around 18 million barrels per day to approximately 2 million barrels per day.
The reduction has raised concerns about global energy supplies and increased pressure on producers and shipping companies.
Gulf oil producers have reportedly been scrambling to secure available tankers as fewer vessels are willing or able to operate on high-risk routes.
Shipping Costs Surge
The shortage of available tankers has also caused shipping costs to rise sharply.
Rates for some large tankers operating on high-risk routes have reportedly climbed to as much as $550,000 per day.
The higher costs reflect increased risks, limited vessel availability and growing uncertainty surrounding maritime traffic in the region.
Rezaei’s remarks come as the disruption continues to affect global energy and shipping markets. While Iran has highlighted the impact on US military and economic objectives, the broader consequences are being felt by energy producers, shipping companies and international markets.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains closely watched because prolonged disruption could have significant implications for global oil and gas supplies.
Also read: CENTCOM Confirms Large-Scale Strikes on Iran
