FT: Dozens of Iran-linked tankers evade US naval blockade in Gulf

At least 34 tankers with links to Iran have reportedly bypassed a US naval blockade in the Gulf region since its introduction, despite Washington’s efforts to restrict maritime traffic connected to the country, according to cargo tracking firm Vortexa.

The United States imposed restrictions on vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal waters on April 13 as part of a broader escalation in tensions with Iran, aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran in pursuit of a potential diplomatic agreement. The measures were later expanded to include Iranian vessels on the high seas and ships carrying goods considered useful to Iran’s war effort, the Financial Times reports. 

US forces have detained at least one container ship in the Gulf of Oman and boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indo-Pacific region. According to US Central Command, the Navy has also ordered 28 vessels to return to Iranian ports since the operation began.

However, tracking data indicates that multiple tankers have still managed to pass through restricted waters. Reports suggest that at least 19 vessels linked to Iran have exited the Gulf, while at least 15 have entered. Among those that departed, six were confirmed to be carrying Iranian crude oil, totaling approximately 10.7 million barrels.

At current market estimates, this volume of oil could represent close to $910 million in revenue, given typical discounts applied to Iranian crude due to international sanctions.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that at least two fully laden Iranian tankers have departed the Persian Gulf and passed a US blockade this week, highlighting what analysts describe as the limits of US efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports.

By Sabina Mammadli