WANA (Apr 15) – Maritime tracking data indicates that at least two Iran-linked vessels—a sanctioned very large crude carrier (VLCC) and a bulk carrier transporting goods—have transited international waters and entered Iranian territorial waters, a development that places the official narrative of a “complete maritime blockade” by the United States Central Command under serious scrutiny.

 

According to data released by maritime tracking sources including TankerTrackers.com, a VLCC listed under sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control—and linked to Iran’s oil transportation network—moved openly, without any attempt to conceal its route, with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned on. The vessel crossed international waters, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, and entered Iranian territorial waters.

 

The tanker, capable of carrying approximately two million barrels of crude oil, reached its destination despite earlier U.S. assertions of strict maritime restrictions targeting vessels associated with Iran.

 

In a parallel development, tracking data also shows that an Iran-linked bulk carrier transporting food commodities has entered the Persian Gulf and is currently en route to Bandar Imam Khomeini. The vessel reportedly entered Iranian waters from international routes several hours ago and has continued its voyage without any reported interference.

 

These developments come as CENTCOM had previously claimed that “no vessel” had succeeded in breaking the alleged maritime blockade or docking at Iranian ports. However, independent tracking data and real-world maritime movements present a contrasting picture of traffic through this strategic corridor.

Also the Iranian sanctioned oil tanker “Alicia” has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz.

 

According to reports, the crude oil-carrying tanker passed through the Iranian-controlled maritime corridor between the islands of Hormuz and Larak despite threats linked to an alleged naval blockade. The route is considered an active commercial toll corridor used by merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

The vessel reportedly crossed the passage without encountering any significant obstruction or interference.