A US-sanctioned tanker linked to China has reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz, becoming one of the first vessels to transit the strategic waterway after Washington initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, according to maritime tracking data.
As per reports, the vessel, ‘Rich Starry’, was seen entering the Gulf of Oman after successfully navigating the chokepoint, despite heightened tensions following the announcement by US President Donald Trump.
The tanker, sailing under the flag of Malawi, had reportedly turned back on Monday when the blockade came into force, but later resumed its passage after broadcasting that it had a Chinese crew, as per the report.
Iran mocked the US, stating that the blockade was selectively enforced and did not apply to countries Washington was reluctant to confront.
The US had earlier announced that its Navy would block vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports following the collapse of talks with Tehran in Pakistan. However, American officials clarified that ships transiting to or from non-Iranian destinations would not be impeded.
It remains unclear whether the tanker had called at Iranian ports prior to its passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping data reportedly indicated that the vessel is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd and was blacklisted by the United States around two years ago for allegedly assisting Iran in evading energy sanctions.
The tanker was carrying approximately 250,000 barrels of methanol, which it had loaded at the Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates, as per reports.
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