On 13 April, the first full day of the new U.S. blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports, three tankers linked to Iran were tracked moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade was announced by Donald Trump after failed U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad. However, since these ships are not heading to Iranian ports, they are not directly affected by the restrictions. One of the vessels, the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, is en route to Hamriyah in the UAE and typically transports Iranian naphtha to other regional ports for export to Asia, Reuters reports.

Two other sanctioned tankers were also observed: Murlikishan, which is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil, and Rich Starry, which is carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol. Rich Starry, linked to a Chinese shipping company sanctioned by the U.S., may become the first such vessel to exit the Gulf since the blockade began.

According to a social media post by Donald Trump, 34 ships went through the Strait of Hormuz on 12 April, which he claimed is by far the highest number since the closure began. 

Background

The U.S. has begun enforcing a maritime blockade focused on Iranian ports, effective from afternoon (14:00 GMT) of 13 April. It restricts vessels entering or leaving Iran, but still allows neutral commercial shipping to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The move follows failed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan, amid a wider conflict that began on 28 February and is currently under a temporary truce.

Washington argues the blockade is necessary due to Iran’s actions around the strait and broader disputes over its nuclear program. U.S. officials also claim there were multiple unresolved issues in the talks beyond what was publicly stated, including maritime control and security concerns.

Donald Trump announced the policy in strong terms, saying the U.S. Navy would stop and inspect vessels suspected of paying Iran for passage and warning of military action against any threats or mining activity in the waterway. He framed the goal as forcing the reopening of the strait and ensuring “free passage” for international shipping.

In short, the policy tightens pressure on Iran while trying to avoid fully closing the shipping lane, but it sharply increases tensions in a critical global energy corridor where even limited disruption can have major economic and geopolitical consequences.

China has criticized the U.S. move, calling the blockade “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning it could escalate regional tensions further.