Iran says second vessel enters Persian Gulf despite naval blockade

A second Iranian vessel has passed through the Strait of Hormuz and is en route to Imam Khomeini Port, according to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The IRGC press office said the ship, reportedly carrying food supplies, had successfully entered the Persian Gulf despite claims by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) that Iranian ports were under a complete naval blockade, Caliber.Az reports.

“Whilst CENTCOM claims a complete naval blockade of Iranian ports and states that ‘no vessel has been able to pass through the blockade’, tracking data shows that a cargo ship carrying food has entered the Persian Gulf and is heading towards Imam Khomeini Port,” the statement said.

Earlier reports indicated that a supertanker listed under sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had also navigated through open waters and the Strait of Hormuz into Iranian territory. According to those reports, the vessel did not attempt to conceal its route and kept its tracking system active.

By Sabina Mammadli