Despite Iran's announcement of closing the Strait of Hormuz, maritime intelligence firms report that oil tanker traffic has continued through the vital waterway. Data shows a decrease in transit numbers, with some vessels disabling tracking systems, while US-Iran talks progress on a memorandum of understanding.
Three Iranian tankers, Diona, Hero II, and Sonia I, owned by the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company, have broadcast their locations as they crossed a US naval blockade in the Arabian Sea. This move signals Iran's confidence despite the US stating the blockade remains until a deal is signed.
At least three Iranian tankers carrying nearly five million barrels of crude oil have exited the U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the first outbound shipments in two months. This comes as shipowners cautiously reposition ahead of an anticipated U.S.-Iran deal signing in Geneva.
Iranian tankers reportedly reached ports bypassing the US naval blockade, as a leaked intel report said Tehran could manage for months Read Full Article at RT.com
Trump joked US forces are 'like pirates' while boasting about the seizure of Iranian tankers at a Florida dinner, as oil prices surged past $120/barrel for the first time since 2022. His approval rating fell to a record low 34% in Reuters/Ipsos polling. The April 19 seizure of the Touska cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz has drawn condemnation from Iran, which called the action 'piracy and banditry' and closed the waterway to enemy ships.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that US forces acted "like pirates" during the seizure of two Iranian tankers, Majestic and Tifani, carrying 3.8 million barrels of oil. Speaking in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump defended the seizure as profitable business. Iran has accused the United States of "state piracy" in a letter to the UN Security Council, calling the actions a gross violation of the UN Charter and reserving the right to respond in accordance with international law.
US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters near India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia on Wednesday, escalating Washington's maritime pressure campaign eastward. Analysts warn Southeast Asian nations including Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore face rising risks from more contested sea lanes, including greater surveillance, pressure to enforce sanctions and higher confrontation risk along routes vital to regional trade.
Asian markets gave up early gains to close lower Thursday after reports the U.S. intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, raising concerns the Middle East conflict could extend. Japan and South Korea stocks earlier hit record highs following Trump's extension of the Iran ceasefire and strong corporate earnings. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.75% after touching 60,013.98, while South Korea's Kospi rose 0.90% to 6,475.81. Oil prices rose over 1% on the tensions.
Asian markets fell from record highs after reports that the U.S. intercepted Iranian oil tankers. Despite a U.S.-Iran ceasefire, uncertainty persists as Iran rejects talks and oil prices climb.
Asian markets reversed early gains to close lower as the U.S. military intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, heightening uncertainty about the Middle East conflict. Japan and South Korea indices earlier hit record highs after President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, but investor confidence wavered. Oil prices extended gains with WTI rising 1.60% to $92.96 per barrel.
US President Trump's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is facing challenges as satellite imagery confirms at least two Iranian oil tankers successfully exited the Persian Gulf this week. The Hero II and Hedy vessels carried approximately 4 million barrels of oil into the Arabian Sea, while 34 Iran-linked vessels have crossed the blockade zone since it began. Despite Trump's characterization of the blockade as a 'tremendous success,' the continued shipments highlight Tehran's resilient oil trade network.
