US Blockades Hormuz, Still 3 Iranian Ships Depart Persian Gulf

According to maritime tracking data released today, at least three ships departing from Iranian ports have crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite a US military blockade, although some vessels navigating this route subsequently turned back. Agence France-Presse reports that at least seven Iranian-related vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the US blockade took effect yesterday at 14:00 GMT. Kpler data shows the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier "Christianna," after unloading 74,000 tons of corn at Port of Bandar Imam Khomeini in Iran, traversed the Strait at around 16:00 GMT yesterday, passing Larak Island within the Strait of Hormuz. The second vessel, the Comoros-flagged tanker "Elpis," was near Larak Island around 11:00 GMT and passed through the Strait of Hormuz around 16:00 GMT. Kpler indicates that the "Argo Maris," also departing from Iran, was among the vessels that crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime analysts have warned that during recent conflicts around the Strait of Hormuz, ship signals in the area may be interfered with or manipulated, making precise and comprehensive tracking difficult. Following the war that erupted between the US and Iran on February 28th, Iranian forces effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. After peace talks between the US and Iran failed, the US announced its own blockade on the 12th. The US military stated today that the blockade measures have been effective, preventing six ships from departing Iranian ports outside the Persian Gulf within the initial 24 hours. US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X: "No ships broke through the US blockade; six commercial vessels followed US military instructions to turn back and re-enter Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman." (Translated by Zhang Xiaowen) 1150415