Three vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, navigating amid ongoing US and Iranian blockades. The Iranian cargo ship Shoja 2 successfully transited the strait into the Gulf of Oman, and it is now operating off the coast of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates. Ship-tracking data indicates that this development is under close scrutiny, particularly following the US Navy’s recent seizure of another Iranian cargo ship on Sunday-the first action since a blockade was enacted last week.
The other two vessels transiting the strait are not clearly linked to Iran. The Lian Star, a general cargo ship registered in Gambia, has now changed course, sailing southeast along Iran’s coastline within the Gulf of Oman. Meanwhile, the Ean Spir, a medium-range tanker previously known as Blue Commander, is charting a northeast route from near Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, now heading south toward the Gulf of Oman, with Shinas in Oman as its indicated destination.
Despite these transits, overall traffic through this vital waterway remained minimally active, following a turbulent weekend when Iran briefly declared the corridor open before reinstating restrictions. Approximately 800 vessels are currently stalled in the Persian Gulf as the geopolitical situation remains tense. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the American blockade would continue for the time being. He expressed that a two-week ceasefire with Iran, expiring Wednesday evening in Washington, was unlikely to be extended. Future discussions between the two nations are anticipated to take place in Pakistan.
Since the ceasefire began, maritime activity has been unpredictable. On Saturday, at least three container ships from Mediterranean Shipping Co. and a MSC cruise liner, along with several other passenger vessels, appeared to have exited the Persian Gulf, following the Omani coastline. On Monday, two liquefied petroleum gas carriers linked to Iran and two oil product tankers-including one with Iranian ties-successfully crossed the Strait in both directions.
The Lian Star is reportedly owned and managed by Mashini S, a Dubai-based entity, although contact details for the company are unavailable. In contrast, Ean Spir is not listed on any country’s sanctions registry, while its flag remains undetermined-a tactic often employed by so-called dark-fleet tankers to evade scrutiny.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these crossings could resonate beyond regional waters, impacting global shipping routes and international relations. Keeping a cautious eye on maritime movements in this critical corridor will be essential as tensions persist between the US and Iran in the coming days.
For more updates on developments in this region and beyond, stay tuned to our news platform.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/three-ships-including-an-iranian-vessel-cross-hormuz-strait-11776763456886.html
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-04-21 14:54:00
