34 tankers with Iran links have bypassed US blockade, FT reports

At least 34 tankers with links to Iran have bypassed the US blockade since it began, including several carrying Iranian oil, Financial Times reported on Wednesday. Washington began enforcing the blockade on April 13, targeting all ships entering or leaving Iran's coastal waters. By April 16, the restrictions had widened to include any Iranian vessels on the open seas, as well as ships transporting goods that could support Iran's war efforts.

US actions

So far, American forces have seized one container ship in the Gulf of Oman and boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indo-Pacific. On Tuesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that US forces have directed 28 vessels to turn around or return since the start of the blockade of Iranian ports. In a CNBC interview, President Trump said "the blockade has been a tremendous success," adding that he would not lift the US embargo until Washington reached a "final deal" with Iran.

Blockade evasion

Despite these efforts, dozens of ships have avoided the blockade, according to the report. At least 19 tankers tied to Iran have managed to leave the Gulf, while 15 others have entered it from the Arabian Sea en route to Iran. Among those departing, at least six were reportedly carrying Iranian crude, totaling 10.7 million barrels. With Iranian oil typically sold below Brent crude prices, a $10 per barrel discount would put the estimated value at roughly $910 million.

Conflict context

The conflict between Washington and Iran began on Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US assets across the Middle East. Pakistan hosted the highest-level talks between Washington and Tehran since 1979 on April 11–12. Iran briefly lifted its control over the Strait of Hormuz last Friday but reinstated it a day later after Trump said the blockade would remain in place.