Three Iran-linked tankers pass Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade

Shipping data show Peace Gulf, Murlikishan and Rich Starry entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on the first day the U.S. naval blockade took effect. None of the three vessels were listed as heading to Iranian ports.

Peace Gulf is a Panama-flagged medium-range tanker that typically carries Iranian naphtha. The vessel was reported en route to Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates.

Murlikishan, formerly known as MKA, is a handy tanker with a history of transporting Russian and Iranian oil. Shipping records listed it as bound for Iraq to load fuel oil.

Rich Starry is a medium-range tanker that has been sanctioned by U.S. authorities, along with its owner Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co. Ltd., for past shipments involving Iran. Data indicated Rich Starry had taken on cargo at a UAE port and was the first of the three to exit the Gulf after the blockade began.

Enforcement units tracked the three ships and did not intercept them after their reported destinations were shown to be outside Iran. The blockade was announced and began earlier today.

Market participants and analysts are monitoring the transits to track commercial traffic and early shipping patterns under the blockade. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key transit point for global seaborne oil, and activity there continues to be closely watched.