Iran's export lifeline runs dry as US defends blockade

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US forces fired missiles at a ship attempting to run its blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday, according to US Central Command. The embargo is the sharpest edge of a campaign (that also includes sweeping sanctions) to starve Tehran of oil revenue and undermine its economy, with the cost borne largely by ordinary Iranians.
The US squeeze is most obvious at Kharg Island, Iran’s main crude export terminal, which has recorded no departures since July 31, according to maritime intelligence company Windward. The US has also “redirected” 55 commercial vessels trying to reach Iranian ports. In its kinetic war, the US has mostly bombed southern Iran, with more than 1,000 targets hit last month alone. Qeshm island, close to the Strait of Hormuz, drew nearly 4 million visitors last year, but its hotels now sit empty and fishing has nearly stopped.

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