Iranian tankers leave key oil terminal amid Middle East tensions: Satellite pics

As speculation grows over potential Israeli strikes on Iranian oil assets, satellite images from Wednesday reveal vessels departing Iran’s crucial oil terminal on Kharg Island. This facility, located in the Persian Gulf, handles the majority of Iran’s oil exports, making it a strategic asset for the country.
The movement of these vessels was first detected by TankerTrackers, an independent service that monitors global crude oil shipments. In a recent post on X, the organisation noted, “The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) appears to be fearing an imminent attack by Israel. Their empty VLCC supertankers vacated the country’s largest oil terminal, Kharg Island, yesterday.”
India Today independently verified this pattern using satellite imagery. Data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel satellites, processed through the Earth Observation Browser, showed at least nine vessels—likely oil tankers—east and south of the island on September 28.

Satellite picture showing Iran’s Kharg Island on September 28. Credit: European Union, modified Copernicus Sentinel data, processed with EO browser

A follow-up image taken on October 3 captured a stark contrast, with only one vessel visible in the vicinity, apparently on the move.

Satellite picture showing Iran’s Kharg Island on October 3. Credit: European Union, modified Copernicus Sentinel data, processed with EO browser

According to TankerTrackers’ analysis, while crude oil loadings continued, the vacant shipping capacity was removed from Kharg Island’s anchorage.
A sequence of satellite images from September 23, September 28, and October 3 shows the changing vessel activity around the terminal.

Satellite picture showing changing activities around Iran’s Kharg Island on Sept 23, Sep 28, and October 3. Credit: European Union, modified Copernicus Sentinel data, processed with EO browser

With Kharg Island handling approximately 90% of Iran’s global oil exports, any attack would likely disrupt oil markets significantly. According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, Iran’s oil production averaged 2.82 million barrels per day last year. The country holds about 12% of the world’s oil reserves.
Speculation about a potential strike intensified on Wednesday when U.S. President Joe Biden hinted at ongoing discussions with Israel regarding possible strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure. When asked by reporters if he would support such strikes, Biden responded, “We’re discussing that. I think that would be a little… anyway.” His comments left Washington’s position ambiguous. Although Biden has previously expressed opposition to Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
The price of Brent crude oil has surged by 10% since Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, reflecting market concerns over the uncertainties.