WANA (Apr 15) – Data from the ship-tracking company “Kepler” indicates that at least nine commercial vessels successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, a vital corridor for global energy trade that remains at the center of geopolitical tensions.

 

According to reports by several news networks, the development comes as the United States continues to insist on enforcing maritime restrictions against Iran and seeks to tighten oversight of vessel movements in this strategic waterway.

 

The reports note that two sanctioned tankers were among the vessels that passed through, suggesting that Washington’s sanctions have not been able to fully halt maritime traffic in the region.

 

One of the tankers, “Rich Starry,” sailing under the Malawian flag and owned by China, was carrying approximately 31,500 tons of methanol. Kepler data shows that the cargo is destined for the port of Sohar in Oman. Analysts view this movement as a possible attempt to test the strictness of newly imposed U.S. restrictions.

 

The second tanker, “Elpis,” flying the Comoros flag and listed under U.S. sanctions in 2025, had loaded around 31,000 tons of methanol from the port of Bushehr and departed toward international waters.

 

Meanwhile, the U.S. military has claimed that within the same timeframe, six other commercial vessels were forced to stop or alter their course after receiving warnings. Nevertheless, the successful passage of nine vessels—including two sanctioned tankers—highlights the continued flow of maritime trade through one of the world’s most sensitive chokepoints, despite ongoing restrictions.