[45167] Tightening the Maritime Siege: USA Blocks Billions of Dollars to Iran; IDF Stops Gaza Flotilla

Maritime Tension: The American Siege on Iran and IDF Activity Facing Gaza

The Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, reports a significant success in the maritime siege imposed on Iran. According to data published on Abu Ali Express and Ongoing Security News, American forces have blocked 42 commercial vessels so far. As a result, 41 tankers carrying approximately 69 million barrels of Iranian oil, with an estimated value of about 6 billion dollars, cannot reach their destination—a move defined by the Admiral as "very effective."

At the same time, reports in Iranian media indicate attempts to bypass the siege by opening 6 land transport routes through Pakistan. However, Abu Ali Express notes that the impact of this move is limited, as over 90% of Iranian exports are carried out by sea. According to the channel's estimates, it is possible that the opening of these routes was done with the knowledge of the Trump administration, which is working with Pakistan as an intermediary.

In another arena, IDF forces carried out an operation overnight against a "protest flotilla" that was on its way to the Gaza Strip. According to reports from News From the Field on Telegram and News Channel 8200, Shayetet 13 fighters took control of over 20 vessels, including heavy vessels used for command and control. Approximately 175 activists were arrested and transferred to a "floating prison" on their way to Israel. Security officials estimate that additional flotillas are expected to depart from Turkey and Europe in the near future.

In the background, Israel News IL points to a jump in American oil exports to an all-time high, reaching approximately 6.4 million barrels per day. The increase in exports is attributed to the aggressive U.S. policy toward Iran and Venezuela, a move that is yielding significant revenue for the American Treasury.