On October 8 local time, information published on the US Treasury Department's website showed that the United States imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Iran, targeting 17 vessels used to transport Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and petrochemical products.

US Treasury officials also stated that Washington estimates roughly 20 million barrels of Iranian crude oil are currently stranded aboard vessels beyond the scope of the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Officials said that due to the US blockade and sanctions, Iran has halted loading and unloading operations on crude oil vessels.

Earlier that same day, US President Trump said that productive talks are underway with Iran and that he would absolutely not attack Iran before the US congressional midterm elections on November 3.