At least 34 tankers with links to Iran have reportedly bypassed the US naval blockade since it was imposed, according to The Financial Times, citing cargo tracking data from Vortexa.
Several of these vessels
were carrying Iranian crude oil, even as US President Donald Trump had described the operation as a “tremendous success”.
The report further stated that maritime flows linked to Iran have continued despite the blockade to exit the Gulf and surrounding waters. Of the 34 tankers identified, 19 are said to have exited the Gulf after passing through restricted waters, while 15 entered the region, reportedly sailing towards Iran from the Arabian Sea.
At least six of the outbound vessels were confirmed to be carrying Iranian crude, totalling around 10.7 million barrels. The Financial Times noted that, given typical discounts on sanctioned Iranian oil—often around $10 below Brent crude—the shipments could represent nearly $910 million in value.
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Tankers evade surveillance
Among the vessels cited is the Dorena, an Iranian-flagged supertanker which reportedly passed through the blockade with its transponder switched off, a tactic often used to avoid maritime tracking systems.
Washington had imposed the naval blockade on April 13, shortly after a ceasefire that paused its conflict with Iran. Initial measures targeted ships entering or leaving Iranian waters, but were later expanded to include Iranian vessels operating on the high seas, as well as ships suspected of supporting Tehran’s strategic activities.
Despite these restrictions, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday that American forces had directed at least 28 vessels to turn back towards Iranian ports since the blockade began. The US Navy has also reportedly seized one container ship in the Gulf of Oman and boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, Trump had defended the operation, saying the blockade had been “a tremendous success” and linking its continuation to ongoing negotiations with Tehran. He added that restrictions on key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, would remain until a “final deal” was reached with Iran.
Iran has strongly condemned the blockade, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
(With inputs from agencies)
