Media: Iranian tankers slip past US naval pressure, deliver millions of barrels

At least two fully laden Iranian tankers have departed the Persian Gulf and passed what has been described as a US blockade this week, forming part of a wider flotilla that has moved through naval patrols and delivered roughly 9 million barrels of oil to international markets, Bloomberg reports.

The Hero II and Hedy, both Iran-flagged very large crude carriers, were identified in satellite imagery as crossing beyond a US-designated maritime line into the Arabian Sea on April 20, according to data intelligence firm Vortexa. The vessels are estimated to be capable of carrying up to 4 million barrels of crude combined.

Their passage highlights what analysts describe as the limits of US efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports—policy measures that President Donald Trump has called a “tremendous success”—and to pressure Tehran into political concessions. Since the reported blockade began last week, the US Navy has seized an Iran-linked cargo vessel and boarded a sanctioned tanker in waters east of Sri Lanka, expanding enforcement activity.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom’s naval forces reported that Iranian forces opened fire on and severely damaged a container ship near the Strait of Hormuz.

Data from Vortexa indicates that Iranian exports have continued despite US pressure, with at least 34 Iran-linked tankers and gas carriers transiting the Strait of Hormuz and the declared US blockade line. The line reportedly extends from the Omani coastline near Ras al Hadd to the Iran–Pakistan border, according to mapping shown in a US Navy video.

Of the vessels tracked since early last week, 19 have departed the Persian Gulf, 17 of them carrying cargo.

Vortexa noted that many ships are disabling transponders to avoid detection, with tracking relying on satellite imagery. The Hero II was last observed more than a month ago in the Strait of Malacca, while Hedy last broadcast its position off Khor Fakkan in late February.

The final destinations of the two tankers remain unclear. The majority of Iranian crude exports are typically shipped to China, though India recently received two cargoes before a US waiver expired.

Other vessels are also attempting to navigate the contested waters. The G Summer, a small LPG carrier sanctioned by the United States, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 21 and has since passed the reported US Navy blockade boundary. A Gambia-flagged vessel, Lian Star, is also now near the same area, reportedly hugging the Iranian coastline.

The Atlantis II, a US-sanctioned long-range fuel tanker, has also moved toward the strait and is currently near Larak Island inside Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data. It remains unclear whether it is carrying cargo.

The Atlantis II was seen approaching Hormuz alongside LPG Sevan and Ocean Jewel. LPG Sevan has previously transported Iranian cargoes, despite listing Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates as its destination, while Ocean Jewel is reported to have no known links to Iran and is believed to be Chinese-owned and crewed.

Maritime records cited by Equasis list Al Anchor Ship Management FZE in the UAE as manager of Atlantis II, with ownership linked to the same address. LPG Sevan is owned and managed by Dubai-based Anka Energy & Logistics Co., while Ocean Jewel Shipping Co. Ltd., based in Shanghai, owns and operates Ocean Jewel. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran indefinitely on April 21 but said the blockade would remain in place. Around 800 vessels are currently reported stranded in the Persian Gulf, with the International Maritime Organization stating it is working on an evacuation plan contingent on de-escalation of the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva