Tuesday marked the first complete day of the U.S. blockade against Iran, as well as the initial day following the U.S. declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is open for international navigation.
At least eight vessels have successfully navigated through the strait based on ship-tracking data, but these figures fall short of the roughly 130 ships that used to cross daily before the conflict began. Two tankers linked to China, previously poised to defy the U.S. Navy, have apparently changed course.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), over 10,000 American sailors, airmen, and Marines are actively engaged in the blockade, supported by more than a dozen warships. Besides enforcing the blockade, these forces are also tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM stated, “In the first 24 hours, no vessels breached the U.S. blockade, and six commercial ships complied with military directives to turn back to Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.”
As darkness descended over the Persian Gulf, CENTCOM shared an image of an F-35B stealth fighter preparing to launch from the USS Tripoli, which resembles a compact aircraft carrier.
According to ship tracking data, three of the eight ships that traversed the Strait of Hormuz were tankers associated with Iran, though none stopped at Iranian ports, indicating a disregard for the blockade.
The U.S. military has informed sailors that humanitarian cargo is exempt from the blockade, yet no such shipments have attempted to enter Iran. CENTCOM warned that any other ships “entering or exiting the blocked area without permission” could face “interception, diversion, or seizure.”
One of the tankers associated with Iran was en route to the United Arab Emirates, likely carrying petrochemical products, while another is scheduled to pick up fuel oil in Iraq on Thursday.
The third tanker, named Rich Starley, owned by a Chinese entity, is under U.S. sanctions for handling Iranian cargo and seems to be loaded with goods from Hamriyah Port in the UAE.
A BBC analyst mentioned that Rich Starley and another Chinese-linked tanker, registered in Botswana, altered their routes after nearing the blockade zone. Rich Starley made a complete turnaround late Tuesday and returned to the Persian Gulf after departing the UAE.
Some bulk carriers linked to Iran were noted, including Christiana, which reportedly unloaded corn at Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port shortly before the blockade started, possibly under a humanitarian exemption.
Another sanctioned tanker, Elpis, passed through the Strait heading east and may have originated from the Iranian port of Bushehr. This tanker is carrying a substantial load of methanol, which was loaded prior to the blockade.
The U.S. Treasury has granted a temporary license for Iran to sell cargo that was loaded months ago to alleviate the oil supply crisis. It remains uncertain if Elpis qualifies under this license.
Tanker operators often dubbed the “shadow fleet” have a tendency to broadcast false identification and location information to evade sanctions. Some captains might be feeling anxious about whether these tactics will trick advanced U.S. naval forces that are monitoring the narrow strait, leading them to reconsider as they approach the blockade.
On Tuesday, China issued a strong condemnation of the blockade, labeling it a “dangerous and irresponsible act” that could worsen conflicts, heighten tensions, and threaten safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
“China contends that only a full ceasefire can create conditions necessary for genuine de-escalation,” stated Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. “We urge all involved parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, pursue peaceful negotiations, and take concrete steps to ease the situation, facilitating the return of normal traffic through the strait as soon as possible.”
