Two Tankers Change Course Near Hormuz as U.S. Blockade Kicks In
Real-time ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic confirmed both vessels altered their trajectories shortly after approaching the strait.
The first, the Malawi-flagged Rich Starry — a 188-meter oil and chemical products tanker — had departed the Sharjah anchorage area in the Persian Gulf in the United Arab Emirates, with China listed as its destination. The vessel turned back within minutes of nearing the strait after leaving the anchorage earlier Monday.
A second tanker, the Botswana-flagged Ostria, a 175-meter vessel, similarly reversed direction after approaching the Strait of Hormuz.
The US blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports took effect at 1400 GMT Monday.
In an official statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) declared the naval blockade would be enforced "impartially" against ships of all countries entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those operating in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The enforcement action marks a dramatic escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against Tehran, and threatens to ripple across global energy markets — with the strait serving as the transit corridor for roughly 20% of the world's oil supply.
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