Over 20 Ships Transit Strait Of Hormuz Despite U.S. Naval Blockade Targeting Iranian Ports: Report

More than 20 commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours despite a United States naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, according to reports citing US officials and maritime tracking data.

The blockade was ordered by US President Donald Trump after talks with Iran in Pakistan failed to make progress. It came into effect earlier this week and is focused on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) clarified that vessels sailing to and from non-Iranian destinations remain free to pass through the strategic waterway.

CENTCOM stated that US forces are supporting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz for vessels not linked to Iranian ports. It also confirmed that eight merchant ships complied with instructions and turned back, although no direct interceptions have been reported.

Despite these restrictions, ship-tracking data and official sources indicate that maritime movement has continued, albeit at reduced levels.

At the same time, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing two US officials, that more than 20 ships crossed the strait in the past 24 hours. The report also mentioned that some vessels were stopped from moving through the waterway.

Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler showed that at least three vessels transited the strait shortly after the blockade came into effect.

These included a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, Christianna, that had discharged cargo at Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port and passed near Larak Island within hours of the restrictions being imposed.

The Comoros-flagged tanker Elpis, carrying around 31,000 tonnes of methanol from Bushehr also cleared the strait around the same time.

A third vessel, the Chinese tanker Rich Starry, crossed later using a route south of Larak Island that is approved by Iran, according to Kpler data.

Separate ship-tracking figures compiled by Bloomberg showed lower overall traffic, with 11 vessels recorded passing through the strait on Tuesday, compared with an average of 16 per day over the weekend.

The discrepancy suggests that some ships may be switching off their transponders while navigating the high-risk zone.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz had dropped sharply in recent days due to security concerns, including the threat of sea mines and potential attacks. Some vessel operators have reportedly reduced visibility of their movements to mitigate risks.

US naval forces have begun mine-clearing operations in the area following the transit of two US warships earlier this week. The operation is aimed at ensuring safe passage and restoring confidence among commercial shipping operators.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling around 20% of global oil shipments. Any sustained disruption to vessel traffic in the region poses a significant risk to global energy markets and supply chains.

Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions are ongoing. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said talks between the US and Iran could resume soon.

At the same time, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan are expected to meet their Turkish counterpart to discuss proposals aimed at reducing tensions.

References: cnbctv18, news18