At least two ships sanctioned by the US for serving in Iran’s “shadow fleet” passed through the Strait of Hormuz Saturday morning, tracking data revealed.
The tanker Ocean Jet, which on a US sanctions list targeting ships that are Iran’s sale of drones that have been aiding Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Lumina Ocean sanctioned oil tanker, which is flagged in Curacao, were able to navigate through the Strait undeterred, NBC news reported, citing Marine Traffic data.
The Curacao-flagged vessel reportedly made it through the waterway by staying close to the shore, according to the outlet.
A handful of cargo ships and a Russian yacht also made it through the Strait early Saturday.
US Central Command said it apprehended a different “shadow fleet” vessel that it did apprehend, the M/V Sevan, in a post on X Saturday.
It was among 19 vessels the Treasury Department sanctioned for transporting billions worth of energy and oil products from Iran energy to foreign markets.
“Earlier today, Sevan was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter from guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and the merchant vessel is currently complying with U.S. military direction to turn back to Iran under escort,” CENCOM wrote on X, including an image taken from the air.
It said 37 vessels have been “redirected” since the start of the US naval blockade on April 12.
CENCOM did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment about the two ships that reportedly made it through the Strait.
Trump ordered the blockade of the vital passageway on April 12, in a move intended to pressure the Iranian regime.
But Iranian drone and missile attacks on ships prior to the US and Tehran agreeing to a cease-fire on April 8, as well as the threat of potential Iranian mines has prevented many captains from risking the passage.
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Trump, however, was upbeat on the overall US position. “We have all the cards. We’ve won everything,” Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida.