US Blockade Threat Looms as Iran-Linked Vessels Transit the Strait of Hormuz
SINGAPORE — Shipping data showed a slight uptick in vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, with most ships linked to Iranian trade, just before a US blockade took effect on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump reimposed a naval blockade on all Iranian ports and threatened to target power plants and bridges unless Tehran resumes negotiations, marking the latest escalation in the US conflict with Iran.
According to Kpler ship-tracking data, nine of the 11 vessels that passed through the strait on Tuesday sailed via the Iranian route. Among those exiting with Iranian cargo were a Very Large Crude Carrier carrying 2 million barrels of crude, a medium-range tanker with refined products, two LPG tankers, a methanol tanker, and a dry bulk carrier with iron ore.
No visible entries or exits were recorded for tankers loading oil and gas from other Gulf producers on the same day.
The United States reported that Iran had attacked seven commercial ships over the past week, resulting in crew casualties. The attacks have pushed Middle East spot crude prices higher, with prompt month prices exceeding future months, signaling tight supply.
Goldman Sachs analysts noted that recovery in Gulf flows could be slower than expected even after any de-escalation, as shippers using non-Iranian lanes remain cautious following recent tanker attacks.
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