Iranian Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz Despite US Naval Blockade
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
Multiple Iranian-linked vessels have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite the United States’ newly imposed naval blockade, maritime tracking data shows. The ships passed through the strategic waterway shortly after the blockade went into effect on Monday, presenting an early test of Washington’s ability to enforce the sweeping maritime embargo .
At least two ships sailing directly from Iranian ports crossed the strait on Monday, with additional Iran-linked vessels following in the hours after the blockade began, according to data from maritime analytics firm Kpler . The crossings came just hours after the U.S. military officially began enforcing the blockade at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on April 13 .
Vessels That Crossed
Christianna (Liberia-flagged bulk carrier)
This vessel crossed after unloading 74,000 tonnes of corn at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini, passing Iran’s Larak Island in the strait around 4 p.m. GMT on Monday . It is not listed under U.S. sanctions.
Elpis (Comoros-flagged tanker)
The Elpis cleared the strait around 4 p.m. GMT carrying 31,000 tonnes of methanol, having left the Iranian port of Bushehr on March 31 . This vessel is under U.S. sanctions for its ties to Iran.
Murlikishan (Madagascar-flagged tanker)
The Murlikishan crossed the strait westward into the Gulf on Tuesday morning through the Larak Island route. It was empty and heading to the Iraqi port of Khor al Zubair. This vessel is sanctioned by the U.S. for Iran-related trade, and many of its past trips to the Gulf had been to Iran, picking up Iranian bitumen and asphalt to ship to Asia .
Rich Starry: The Test Case
A Chinese-owned tanker, the Rich Starry, also crossed the strait overnight from Monday to Tuesday via the Iranian-approved vetting route south of Larak Island. The vessel is carrying 31,500 tonnes of methanol and is bound for Sohar in Oman .
The Rich Starry and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, are listed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control as being sanctioned for ties to Iran. Media including leading shipping journal Lloyd’s List interpreted the Chinese ship’s passage as a “test” of President Donald Trump’s blockade .
The Legal Distinction
The successful transits may have exploited a critical distinction in the blockade’s legal framework. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the blockade applies to “vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas” . However, CENTCOM explicitly stated that it “will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports” .
The Iranian-linked ships that crossed were either departing Iranian ports or had previously visited Iranian ports, placing them within the blockade’s enforcement parameters. However, the Rich Starry loaded its cargo at Hamriyah Port in the UAE—a non-Iranian port—and was exiting the Gulf rather than attempting to enter an Iranian port, placing its transit in a legal gray area .
Conflicting Accounts
Conflicting accounts have also emerged over broader naval activity. CENTCOM said Saturday that two U.S. warships transited the strait and began mine-clearing operations in nearby waters. However, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters denied the claim, saying no U.S. vessels had entered the strait .
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that two U.S. destroyers, the USS Michael Murphy and the USS Frank E. Peterson, were forced to retreat after encountering Iranian naval forces, describing the episode as a “failed propaganda stunt timed to coincide with talks in Islamabad” .
Iran’s Warning
In a separate statement, the IRGC warned that any military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext would be regarded as a ceasefire violation and dealt with accordingly .
Iran’s military command issued a statement branding the U.S. blockade a criminal act of piracy, and warned that if the security of its harbors “is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe” .
What Comes Next
The successful transits of multiple Iranian-linked ships raise questions about the effectiveness of the U.S. blockade. As the operation enters its second day, several critical questions remain:
| Question | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Will the U.S. take enforcement action against future violators? | A direct confrontation with a Chinese state-linked vessel could spark a major diplomatic incident |
| How will Iran respond to interceptions? | Threats of retaliation remain |
| Will the ceasefire hold? | Fragile; expires April 22 |
| Will a second round of talks occur? | Expected April 16 in Islamabad or Geneva |
For now, Iranian-linked ships continue to test the U.S. blockade, and the world is watching to see how Washington will respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Iranian ships cross the Strait of Hormuz after the US blockade began?
Yes. Maritime tracking data shows at least four Iran-linked vessels crossed the strait on Monday and Tuesday, including ships that had visited Iranian ports.
2. Are these ships carrying Iranian oil?
Some are. The Elpis was carrying methanol from the Iranian port of Bushehr, and the Christianna had unloaded corn at Bandar Imam Khomeini.
3. Has the US intercepted any of these ships?
No. The vessels completed their transits without being stopped, though the U.S. has not publicly commented on these specific cases.
4. What is the legal basis for the blockade?
CENTCOM states the blockade applies to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, while not impeding vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports.
5. Is the ceasefire still in effect?
Yes, the two-week ceasefire announced on April 7 remains in effect until April 22, though its future is uncertain.
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