Five oil tankers cross Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade

At least five oil tankers have reportedly transited the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened tensions and an ongoing US blockade operation, according to shipping data providers LSEG and Kpler.

The strategic waterway, a key global energy chokepoint, has seen at least three oil tankers enter the Gulf through alternative routing, while two additional vessels previously crossed the strait, data shows.

Among the vessels, the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf is reported to be moving within Iranian waters via a new route between Larak and Hormuz islands toward the UAE’s Hamriyah port.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said all commercial shipping must now use this designated passage.

Two other tankers—Rich Starry and LPS—also crossed the strait earlier, both of which are under US sanctions. However, they are not currently subject to the latest restrictions as they did not dock at Iranian ports or carry Iranian cargo.

The United States, meanwhile, rejected claims that vessels have successfully passed through the area following the start of its blockade operation. Washington said no ships crossed the affected zone in the first 24 hours after restrictions were imposed.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation began Monday at 10:00 GMT under orders from President Donald Trump, targeting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. The deployment reportedly involves over 10,000 personnel, dozens of warships, and aircraft.

The blockade covers all ships operating in Iranian coastal waters, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, according to CENTCOM.

Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC