Japanese tanker passes Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s coordination

A Japanese oil tanker has transited the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s coordination, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency.

The vessel, Idemitsu Maru, is owned by Idemitsu Kosan and was carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil. The tanker had remained off the coast of Saudi Arabia since late February.

Data from the ship-tracking service MarineTraffic indicates that the Panama-flagged tanker departed from the port of Ras Tanura on April 17 before proceeding toward the Strait.

The transit comes amid heightened regional tensions following the outbreak of war involving the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels associated with those countries, as well as to states supporting actions against the Islamic Republic.

By Tamilla Hasanova