Sanctioned Tankers Slip Through Hormuz Despite US Naval Blockade

Despite the US-imposed naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, several sanctioned vessels have continued to pass through the strategic waterway, according to maritime tracking data cited by CNN.

One of the most closely monitored cases involves the Malawi-flagged, Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry, which is linked to Full Star Shipping Ltd and Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd. The vessel has been under US sanctions since 2023 over alleged ties to Iran. Data from MarineTraffic shows that the ship initially attempted to transit the strait around midday on Monday UTC, briefly turned back near Iran’s Qeshm Island, and later made a second attempt in the evening before successfully completing the passage by early Tuesday UTC.

According to additional reporting, the tanker is believed to have been carrying methanol and was reportedly en route to China, based on data from maritime analytics firm Kpler. CNN noted that the vessel’s exact departure point could not be independently confirmed.

A second sanctioned tanker also reportedly crossed the strait on Monday after the blockade came into force. The vessel, Elpis, registered in Comoros, was partially loaded and had previously been sanctioned by the United States in 2025 for involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum as part of what Washington describes as a “shadow fleet.”

These movements come amid heightened US naval activity in the region. US Central Command is maintaining a significant maritime presence in the Middle East, with at least 15 warships deployed, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and 11 destroyers. Among them are USS Bainbridge, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Delbert D. Black, USS John Finn, USS Michael Murphy, USS Mitscher, USS Pinckney, USS Rafael Peralta, USS Spruance and USS Milius. The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Tripoli, USS New Orleans and USS Rushmore, is also stationed in the region.

Officials note that while the fleet is substantial, its vessels are spread across the US Central Command area of operations, and it remains unclear which units are directly assigned to enforce the blockade. Support and escort ships are also present, though analysts point out that repositioning them for sustained blockade operations would require transit via the Suez Canal or a longer route around Africa.

The blockade itself was ordered by US President Donald Trump following weekend negotiations in Pakistan that ended without agreement. Washington has stated that the naval measures are intended to restrict maritime traffic linked to Iran, though the continued passage of sanctioned vessels suggests limited immediate disruption on the ground.