Despite claims from the United States regarding a “complete halt” to Iranian trade, at least 26 vessels from Iran’s shadow fleet have successfully navigated around the American blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This information was reported by The Guardian, citing data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
According to the analysis, these ships have been consistently operating since the blockade was implemented on April 13. Maritime data indicates that the vessels not only enter and exit Iranian ports but also export Iranian-origin cargo. Since the blockade began, 11 tankers carrying Iranian goods have reportedly departed from the Oman and Persian Gulfs.
The US Central Command has stated that 27 vessels have either turned back or returned to Iranian ports since the blockade commenced.
On April 11, trilateral talks took place in Islamabad between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. Following the discussions, US Vice President Mike Pence noted that no agreement had been reached regarding a prolonged cessation of hostilities. The Iranian Foreign Ministry attributed the lack of progress to disagreements over “two or three key issues.”
Subsequently, President Trump announced that the US Navy would initiate a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, citing the failure to reach an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program during the negotiations. He indicated that US military forces would intercept any vessels that had paid fees to Iran for passage through the strait.
Trump also warned Iran that if its military attacked American naval vessels, the US Navy would respond decisively. On April 18, Iran declared it would restore “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US maritime blockade.
On April 20, Trump conveyed that the likelihood of extending a two-week ceasefire with Iran was minimal unless an agreement was reached by the set deadline of April 22.
In a separate military context, on February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran. Following this, President Trump announced that US forces had launched a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine, stating that the operation’s objectives included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and attacked US military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to provide Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump stated that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had died, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). On March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, indicating he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
On March 26, Trump announced he would suspend the destruction of Iranian energy facilities until April 6. However, due to a lack of progress in negotiations, he extended the deadline by 20 hours to the evening of April 7.
Trump threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran and take other measures that would have devastating consequences for the Iranian people, potentially provoking a dangerous response throughout the region.
On April 6, Iran presented a separate 10-point plan to the US and Israel for ending the conflict via Pakistan.
On April 7, Trump stated he agreed to suspend bombing Iran and delay a “devastating attack” for two weeks, contingent on the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz being lifted. He indicated that the ceasefire would be mutual, and Iran’s 10-point proposal was an acceptable basis for negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within two weeks would be possible “provided there is coordination with Iran’s armed forces and consideration of technical limitations.”
The article details the ongoing maritime activities of Iran's shadow fleet, which continues to operate despite US efforts to enforce a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. It also outlines the recent diplomatic tensions and military actions involving the US, Iran, and Israel.
Source: The Guardian