Iranian Supertanker Defies US Naval Blockade to Deliver Crude Oil

Iranian Supertanker Challenges US Blockade

An Iranian supertanker has reportedly circumvented the US naval blockade and is poised to deliver a significant shipment of crude oil. The United States has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports, both within and beyond the vital Strait of Hormuz. In a move of retaliation against this maritime blockade, Iran had initially announced the reopening of the Strait for all commercial vessels but later reversed this decision.

A very large crude carrier (VLCC) belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company set sail from Iran in late March 2026, heading towards the Riau Islands in Southeast Asia. As per the tanker tracking service TankerTrackers.com, the vessel transferred around 2 million barrels of crude oil to another supertanker in the vicinity before making its return.

The tanker reportedly crossed the US-imposed 'siege line' to re-enter Iranian waters and is anticipated to reach Kharg Island soon, as reported by Iran's Fars News Agency, referencing data from TankerTrackers.com. The report stated, "This tanker unloaded its 2 million barrels of crude oil and then returned home through the blockade line."

Additionally, Iran's state media has shared a new video asserting that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under the control of Tehran. A video posted on Telegram by Fars News Agency depicted vessels navigating through what it claims is the Strait of Hormuz after receiving permission from Tehran to enter the Persian Gulf.

Fars claims that access to this 'safe corridor,' established by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, occurs between Larak and Qeshm islands, exiting south of Larak near the Iranian coast. This assertion has not been independently verified.

In a related incident, the US Navy tracked, boarded, and seized an Iranian cargo ship named 'Touska' near the Strait of Hormuz. The United States stated that it fired upon the vessel and seized it after it crossed the blockade line, ignoring several warnings. Iran has promised a prompt response to this action. This interception marks the first since the blockade of Iranian ports commenced last week.