U.S.-Sanctioned Supertanker Crosses Strait of Hormuz Despite Blockade
A Curacao-flagged supertanker, “Coba Somerset Yuri”, has successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and anchored east of Iran’s southern Larak Island, according to maritime tracking data cited by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. This development marks another instance where a U.S.-sanctioned vessel has managed to pass through the strait despite Washington’s anti-Iran naval blockade.
The tanker has been under U.S. sanctions since 2024 for carrying Iran’s oil to other countries, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. The sanctions were imposed in an effort to prevent ships from traveling to and from Iranian ports through the waterway. However, several Iran-linked sanctioned vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, including this latest supertanker.
Background on U.S.-Iran Tensions
The tensions between the United States and Iran have been escalating since February 28, when Iran barred safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iran. This move was seen as a response to the U.S. and Israeli military actions in the region.
In April, Washington imposed its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations with Tehran failed during talks held in Pakistan. The blockade aims to prevent ships from traveling to and from Iranian ports through the waterway, further heightening tensions in the region.
Maritime Intelligence Company Reports on Sanctioned Vessels
TankerTrackers, a maritime intelligence company, reported that an Iranian supertanker had delivered 2 million barrels of crude oil to a ship-to-ship transfer offshore Indonesia. The tanker was then en route to Iran’s southern Kharg Island after passing through the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade.
The successful passage of these sanctioned vessels highlights the challenges faced by the United States in enforcing its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. As tensions continue to rise between Washington and Tehran, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
Original Article: U.S.-sanctioned Iran-bound supertanker crosses Strait of Hormuz — media-Xinhua — News