New Delhi: A US-sanctioned tanker was forced to reverse course and return to the Strait of Hormuz after failing to pass through a newly imposed maritime blockade, highlighting escalating tensions in a critical global shipping corridor. The vessel, Rich Starry, had exited the Gulf a day earlier but was unable to proceed further, according to shipping movement data.
The blockade, announced by US President Donald Trump following unsuccessful peace negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, has already begun to disrupt maritime activity in the region. Within the first 24 hours of enforcement, no vessels successfully crossed the restricted zone. Several ships were directed to turn back, with multiple vessels complying and returning toward Iranian ports.
The Rich Starry, a medium range tanker, is among a group of ships affected by the restrictions. Carrying a substantial cargo of methanol, the vessel had originally loaded its shipment from the port of Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates. Its ownership is linked to a Chinese shipping company that has been placed under US sanctions for its dealings involving Iran.
The situation intensified further when a US naval destroyer reportedly intercepted two oil tankers attempting to leave the Iranian port of Chabahar, preventing their passage into open waters. This action underscores the strict enforcement of the blockade and signals heightened military oversight in the region.
Meanwhile, another sanctioned tanker, Alicia, has entered the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Unlike the Rich Starry, it is currently empty and is expected to load oil cargo from Iraq, indicating that some shipping operations are still proceeding under careful navigation.
The blockade has significantly reduced maritime traffic in the area, with vessel movements dropping sharply compared to normal levels. The uncertainty surrounding the situation is causing concern among shipping companies, oil traders, and insurers, as risks continue to rise in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
