Iran oil exports fell sharply after U.S. blockade

June 6, 2026

1–2 minutes

Summary

Shipping data suggested Iran’s oil exports and related revenue fell sharply after a U.S. naval blockade began in April.

Why this matters

Iran’s oil sales are a central source of state revenue, so a sustained drop could affect its ability to fund military operations and its broader economy. The disruption also matters globally because the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for energy exports and prices.

Iran exported less than one-sixth of the oil it had been shipping before a U.S. naval blockade began in April, according to shipping data that suggested a steep drop in revenue from Tehran’s main source of income.

The United States began the blockade of Iranian ports on April 13 as part of President Donald Trump’s push for terms in a peace deal. Tehran called the move illegal and described U.S. seizures of ships near its ports as “piracy.”

The action followed Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz to ships from most countries after U.S.-Israeli attacks began on Feb. 28. The strait normally carries about 20% of global oil and gas supplies, and the disruption reduced exports from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates while pushing up energy prices.

Iran was initially able to keep exporting through the strait.

At an estimated $90 a barrel, exports of 300,000 barrels a day would generate about $27 million a day, or about $837 million in May. In March, when exports averaged 1.84 million barrels a day, Iran was earning an estimated $165.6 million a day, or about $5.13 billion for the month. In April, exports averaged 1.34 million barrels a day, generating about $3.62 billion for the month.

Iran’s oil revenues in May were about 84% lower than in March. If March-level monthly revenue was the benchmark, Iran lost about $5.8 billion across April and May.

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