A sanctioned oil tanker has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions and the entry into force of the U.S. blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping.
According to data from Kpler, a global trade intelligence platform, the vessel Elpis, registered in the Comoros and previously sanctioned by the United States in 2025 for involvement in Iranian oil transport, passed through the strategic waterway on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, another vessel, Ostria, registered in Botswana, reportedly reversed its course while attempting to transit the strait. Within 41 minutes of the blockade deadline, it changed its destination from Oman to the United Arab Emirates after turning back, according to ship-tracking data.
Separately, the tanker Rich Starry transmitted that it was “departing” near Qeshm Island, suggesting it may have avoided continuing its passage through the Strait.
The developments come amid heightened maritime tensions following the U.S. move to restrict Iranian-linked shipping in one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
