Over 100 oil tankers head to U.S. as Iran war reshapes global energy flows

The oil map is being redrawn in real time.

More than 100 empty oil tankers are now heading toward the United States, as the war in Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz force a massive shift in global energy flows.

Data from tanker-tracking firms shows at least 121 vessels en route to the U.S. Gulf Coast — including 68 massive VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) supertankers, each capable of hauling roughly 2 million barrels of oil.

The surge comes as shipping traffic through the Middle East has slowed dramatically amid escalating tensions and a U.S. blockade targeting Iranian oil exports. 

With Iranian crude effectively sidelined, global buyers are scrambling to replace lost supply — and increasingly turning to American oil.

President Donald Trump has highlighted the shift, saying foreign vessels are already redirecting toward the U.S. to “fill up” and ship energy elsewhere.

Watch the clip below:

“A ship tracking firm reports 121 empty oil tankers are making their way to the United States… President Trump has urged countries squeezed by Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz to turn to American energy supplies instead.” pic.twitter.com/1UBqybljJx

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 13, 2026