Iranian vessels have reportedly evaded Donald Trump’s military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 34 Iranian oil tankers managed to bypass US surveillance, with 19 leaving the Persian Gulf and 15 departing from the Arabian Sea. According to The Financial Times, six of these tankers were carrying Iranian crude oil valued at around $910 million. The incident occurred as Trump directed the US navy to establish a blockade in the strait, a crucial passage for 20% of the world’s oil shipments and Iranian ports, amid escalating tensions.
In response to the US interception of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Iran seized two other cargo vessels and attacked a third for non-compliance. Despite Trump’s offer to extend a ceasefire, Iran rejected the proposal as the US continues its military maneuvers to disrupt Iranian trade and negotiations.
The developments mark a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between the US and Iran in the region.