Uncertainty of U.S. blockade in the Strait persists as ships transit

April 17 ------ Questions about the status and effectiveness of the U.S. military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz persist, as ship-tracking data indicated that several vessels had still transited the waterway, including ships departing from Iranian ports.

According to maritime tracking information, multiple vessels, including some previously docked in Iran, were observed moving through the Strait shortly after the U.S. military announced the start of its blockade. The measure, which took effect on 13 April afternoon local time, applies to all maritime traffic entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal waters.

As reported by the New York Times however, uncertainty remains over how U.S. naval forces are enforcing the restrictions, which aim to restrict Iran’s oil exports following the breakdown of negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The two sides are currently observing a two-week truce set to expire on 21 April.

Some of the vessels that transited the Strait on 13 April, before and after the 10:00 a.m. Eastern deadline cited by the Trump administration, were reported to have originated from Iranian ports, carried Iranian cargo, or been subject to U.S. sanctions, according to maritime analytics firm Kpler. It remains unclear whether these movements occurred under a grace period, with explicit authorization, or by circumventing enforcement.

Meanwhile, U.S. CENTCOM stated on 14 April that no vessels had successfully passed through the blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas, adding that six merchant ships had complied with orders to turn back.

Source: safety4sea.com