Two Sanctioned Ships Crossed the Strait of Hormuz Friday Night, NBC Reports
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Energy Security
Two vessels under U.S. sanctions successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Friday night, NBC News reported on Saturday, marking another instance of Iran’s “shadow fleet” evading the American naval blockade. The development comes despite the presence of three U.S. carrier strike groups enforcing the blockade and President Trump’s order to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats laying mines .
The successful transit of sanctioned ships underscores the limitations of the U.S. naval interdiction campaign. Since the blockade was imposed on April 13, at least 27 ships have been turned back or intercepted, but others continue to slip through, often using deceptive practices such as operating without AIS transponders or using falsified documentation.
The ‘Shadow Fleet’ Evades Enforcement
The two sanctioned ships that crossed Friday night were not identified by name in the NBC report. However, maritime tracking data has shown a persistent pattern of Iranian-linked vessels continuing to transit the strait despite the blockade .
Iranian and Iran-linked vessels that have successfully transited:
| Vessel Name | Flag | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rich Starry | Chinese-owned/crew | US-sanctioned; transited April 23 |
| Christianna | Liberia | Crossed after unloading at Iranian port |
| Elpis | Comoros | Under US sanctions; transited |
| Murlikishan | Madagascar | Heading to Iraq; under US sanctions |
| Touska | Iran | Seized by US forces April 19 |
Sources: Kpler, LSEG, Lloyd’s List, multiple news reports
The “shadow fleet” operates using a variety of tactics to avoid interception:
- AIS spoofing or shutdown: Vessels turn off their transponders or broadcast false information
- Flag-of-convenience registrations: Using flags from countries with limited enforcement
- Ship-to-ship transfers: Transferring cargo at sea to obscure origin
- Night transits: Attempting passage during darkness or reduced visibility
The Blockade’s Mixed Record
The U.S. naval blockade has had mixed results since its implementation. CENTCOM has confirmed that U.S. forces have directed at least 34 vessels to turn around or return to port . However, independent tracking suggests that at least 26 tankers have successfully bypassed the blockade, carrying an estimated 172 million barrels of crude and refined products valued at approximately $910 million .
Blockade enforcement statistics:
| Metric | Number |
|---|---|
| Vessels turned back | 34 |
| Tankers that have bypassed blockade | 26+ |
| Value of oil that has evaded blockade | ~$910 million |
| US warships deployed | 17 |
| US troops deployed | 10,000+ |
Sources: CENTCOM, Kpler, multiple reports
The blockade’s effectiveness has been uneven. While the U.S. has successfully interdicted dozens of vessels, the “shadow fleet” continues to operate, and Iran continues to export oil.
The Iranian Response: Toll Collection
Iran has not been passive in the face of the blockade. Tehran has announced that it has begun collecting transit fees from ships crossing the strait, a direct challenge to the U.S. claim of “full control” over the waterway. The fees, reportedly calculated at approximately $1 per barrel of oil, are collected for vessels willing to pay.
The introduction of tolls represents a new phase in the economic warfare. Iran is effectively monetizing its control of the chokepoint, even as the U.S. seeks to strangle its oil exports.
Trump’s ‘Shoot and Kill’ Order
President Trump has escalated the rules of engagement, ordering the Navy to “shoot and kill” any Iranian boats caught laying mines in the strait . The order came after intelligence reports indicated that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy had planted additional mines in the waterway this week.
But the “shoot and kill” order does not directly address the transit of oil tankers, which are civilian vessels.
What Comes Next
The Pentagon has announced it will deploy a second aircraft carrier to enforce the blockade “in just a few days.” Additional destroyers and support vessels are also expected to arrive in the region. The question is whether increased naval presence can close the gaps that the “shadow fleet” continues to exploit.
The crossing of two sanctioned ships on Friday night suggests that the blockade, while imposing significant economic pain on Iran, has not achieved complete closure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many ships have successfully bypassed the U.S. blockade?
Independent tracking suggests at least 26 tankers have bypassed the blockade since it was imposed on April 13, carrying approximately 172 million barrels of crude.
Q2: What tactics do the “shadow fleet” vessels use to evade interception?
They use AIS spoofing, flag-of-convenience registrations, ship-to-ship transfers, and night transits to avoid detection.
Q3: Is the U.S. blockade effective?
It has had mixed results. The U.S. has turned back 34 vessels, but at least 26 have successfully transited. The blockade has significantly reduced, but not eliminated, Iranian oil exports.
Q4: Is Iran collecting transit fees?
Yes. Iran has announced it has begun collecting fees from ships crossing the strait, reportedly at approximately $1 per barrel of oil.
Q5: What is Trump’s “shoot and kill” order?
Trump ordered the Navy to shoot and kill any Iranian boats laying mines in the strait. The order does not directly address oil tanker transits.
Q6: Will the U.S. deploy more forces?
Yes. The Pentagon has announced it will deploy a second aircraft carrier to enforce the blockade “in just a few days.”
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