BY MIRABEL ODETTA
A second U.S.-sanctioned supertanker has entered the Gulf through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the effectiveness of a newly announced U.S. blockade targeting vessels linked to Iranian oil trade.
The development comes just days after Donald Trump announced the blockade following failed weekend negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. The talks were aimed at easing tensions but ended without agreement, prompting Washington to tighten restrictions on maritime traffic connected to Iran.
According to the U.S. Central Command, at least 10 vessels have been forced to turn back since the blockade began, and officials stated that no ships had successfully breached the restrictions. However, conflicting reports suggest that some tankers may still be navigating into the Gulf.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that a sanctioned Iranian supertanker crossed the strait and continued toward Imam Khomeini port. While the vessel was not identified, the report indicates potential gaps in enforcement or differing interpretations of the blockade’s reach.
Shipping data from analytics firms showed that an empty Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) known as RHN entered the Gulf on Wednesday. The vessel, capable of carrying up to 2 million barrels of oil, has not publicly disclosed its destination. Its movements follow closely behind another sanctioned tanker, the Alicia, which passed through the strait a day earlier and is reportedly heading toward Iraq.
Both vessels have a history of transporting Iranian oil, according to shipping intelligence data, highlighting the complex network of tankers involved in the region’s energy trade. Meanwhile, other ships, such as the sanctioned tanker Rich Starry, have reversed course after initially attempting to enter the Gulf, underscoring the mixed impact of the blockade.
The United States has also warned that it may impose secondary sanctions on countries or entities that continue purchasing Iranian oil. This step is seen as an effort to increase pressure on Tehran ahead of potential future negotiations, especially after Washington had recently relaxed some enforcement of energy-related sanctions.
On the diplomatic front, Iran has reportedly floated proposals that could allow safer passage for ships through the Omani side of the strait, provided a broader agreement is reached to prevent escalation. Such proposals suggest that both sides may still be exploring off-ramps to avoid further conflict.
Despite the blockade, analysts believe Iran may be able to maintain its oil production levels—estimated at around 3.5 million barrels per day—for several weeks by storing excess crude domestically. Export figures indicate resilience as well, with shipments remaining relatively steady in recent months.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between enforcement measures and the realities of global energy logistics. As both sides weigh economic pressure against geopolitical risk, the movement of even a single tanker through the Strait of Hormuz continues to carry outsized significance for global oil markets and regional stability.
Original article
Comments