Dozens of Iranian-linked vessels have bypassed the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
At least 26 ships carrying oil and gas have sailed in and out of Iranian ports since the blockade went into effect on April 13, Lloyd’s List Intelligence maritime data show.
The data show a steady flow of traffic through the Persian Gulf, despite US Central Command continuing naval operations and claiming to have ordered the return of 27 vessels to the Islamic Republic.
On Tuesday, Iranian state media claimed one tanker, escorted by Iran’s navy, had crossed the Arabian Sea and entered Iranian territorial waters overnight.
The US seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to breach the blockade after “blowing a hole” in its engine room over the weekend.
The Trump administration’s naval operation in the Middle East has become a sticking point in negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Iran’s leadership has refused to participate in a second round of peace talks unless the US lifts its blockade and softens its demands on Tehran.
On Tuesday, Iran warned it had “new cards on the battlefield” after Donald Trump said he was “highly unlikely” to extend the ceasefire between the US and Tehran beyond Wednesday’s deadline.