Empty vessels linked to Tehran are drifting in Asian waters with crews running low on food and water after the United States warned local providers to stop servicing the ships. The U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka notified regional suppliers they risk sanctions if they provide aid or maintenance to a fleet of about 20 tankers that have been unable to return home since July, forcing some repair crews to bring their own food and ration water.

A Kpler oil analyst forecasts that all oil revenues for Iran will drop to zero by December as a result of the ongoing blockade. The affected vessels are currently empty, and Washington is using the pressure campaign to limit the financial resources available to the Iranian government.