Central Command reported redirecting 92 vessels, disabling three, and boarding two as of September 6 to enforce restrictions on Iranian ports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it 'Operation Economic Outcast,' predicting China's Iranian crude purchases will soon end with only 30 million barrels left at sea.
The combined sanctions and naval push aim to cut off Tehran's revenue, with officials noting sharp drops in oil exports to China since mid-July. Analysts estimate the remaining stockpile's net value to Iran at just $1.5–2.3 billion, about a month's pre-war income.