Sanctioned oil tankers enter Persian Gulf via Hormuz despite US blockade

Two US‑sanctioned very large crude carriers have crossed the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf over the past 24 hours, public vessel‑tracking data shows, indicating that shadow‑fleet movements linked to Iranian crude exports are continuing despite heightened US enforcement. The VLCC Alicia, with a capacity of roughly 2 million barrels, entered the Gulf on Wednesday while sailing empty, after previous activity linked to Iranian oil trades. The RHN, another sanctioned VLCC, was also shown near the strait heading toward Iranian waters.

Potential Cargo Value

If both tankers load full cargoes, they could together carry about 4 million barrels of crude, implying a cargo value of around $400 million at roughly $100 per barrel. The movements come as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains highly disrupted after Washington imposed a blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports following failed US‑Iran talks in Islamabad. The strait normally handles a major share of global seaborne oil flows.

Energy Market Impact

The continued movement of sanctioned tankers underscores the challenges of enforcing maritime sanctions in the strategic waterway. Türkiye, which relies on stable energy flows through the strait, has consistently called for freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and warned that prolonged disruption would harm global energy markets. The war that began on 28 February has triggered the biggest energy shock in decades, with oil prices surging and supply chains under severe strain.