A sanctioned supertanker carrying Iranian oil is attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite the virtual halt of traffic in the area. This was reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
This refers to the tanker Yuri, which is carrying about 2 million barrels of oil loaded on the Iranian island of Kharg. The vessel reappeared in tracking systems after several days without a signal and began moving towards the strait, having already passed Larak Island.
Britain and France convene summit on restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz22.04.26, 06:31
Its actions indicate Iran's intention to test the US's readiness to maintain a naval blockade.
Blockade and traffic decline
According to the US Central Command, 33 vessels have been turned back since the blockade began, and at least two Iranian tankers have been intercepted. At the same time, Iran is also trying to control the strait – shelling commercial vessels and seizing some of them.
As a result of such actions, transit through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply decreased.
Other vessels in the region are also changing routes. In particular, a bulk carrier with food for Iran turned around in the strait and returned to the Persian Gulf. A container ship that left Bandar Abbas, on the contrary, left the strait and headed for the Gulf of Oman.
Sanctions and other tankers
The tanker Yuri has been under US sanctions since 2024 for its involvement in transporting Iranian oil. Data on its owner or operator is not available in international registries.
In parallel, another sanctioned tanker, Helm, flying the Iranian flag, was spotted in the Strait of Malacca near Singapore. The vessel is also carrying oil, but does not indicate its destination. It is unknown whether it managed to leave the region before the US blockade began on April 13.
Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has almost stopped again after Iran's actions19.04.26, 11:45