US naval blockade halts Iran's secret oil shipments to China

Iran’s secret oil shipments to China via its shadow fleet have ceased due to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, according to analysts. The offshore stockpile, once holding an estimated 135 million barrels, has shrunk to virtually nothing, with Kpler reporting no more oil to discharge to China. The blockade has cost Iran at least $25 billion in lost oil revenue, a critical blow since oil sales account for 30-40% of Tehran’s revenue and fund about 60% of government employee wages, including military forces. US Central Command says Iran now has no exports or imports by sea except humanitarian aid. Analysts note Chinese payment delays may give Tehran temporary breathing room, but the export collapse threatens regime stability as oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz remains at 82% of pre-war levels. Iranian officials insist they can withstand pressure, though experts warn the economic strain could force difficult decisions.