AT LEAST four Iran-linked vessels have sneakily skirted around Donald Trump’s Strait of Hormuz blockade – with China blasting the siege as “dangerous and irresponsible”.
Trump has threatened to sink any ship that dares to defy the blockade, adding they will employ “the same system of kill” used against drug trafficking boats in the Sea.
A sanctioned Chinese-linked oil tanker, Rich Starry, passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnightCredit: X
Donald Trump has threatened to obliterate any Iranian ship that defies the siegeCredit: Salwan Georges / Pool via CNP / SplashNews.com
Rich Starry was making its way into the narrow waterway near Iran’s Qeshm Island and exited the strait hours laterCredit: Seasearcher
The ‘s siege of the key trade route began at 3pm yesterday and applies to any ship travelling to or from an Iranian port.
Washington has to the 24-mile wide chokepoint, daring enemy vessels to try flouting the blockade.
But so far there have been no reported clashes as a result of the blockade and the four successful evasions will no doubt have raised alarms in the .
Two of the four ships are confirmed to have visited Iran – the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, Christianna, and the Comoros-flagged and chemical tanker, Elpis.
The Christianna passed through the strait after Monday’s deadline, sailing from the major Iranian port city of Bandar Imam Khomeini.
The US-sanctioned Elpis headed east across the waterway, having come from the Iranian port of Bushehr.
Both of the other two tankers bore links to Iran ally – which has directly challenged Trump’s authority over the strait.
The tanker Murlikishan, which is under US sanctions for Iran-related trade, headed west through the strait, coming from Lanshan in China.
And lastly, the Rich Starry – which has been sanctioned by America since 2023 for dealing with – in the other direction overnight.
It departed from a UAE port with 250,000 barrels of methanol on board.
China’s foreign ministry has been vocal about its disapproval of Trump’s blockade, sparking fears that World War III tensions are on the rise.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun added: “Such actions will only intensify contradictions, exacerbate tensions, undermine the already fragile ceasefire, and further jeopardise the security of navigation through the strait.
is reportedly taking an active stance in the war, allowing some companies to ship chemicals, fuel and components that can be used in military production to Iran for the war.
American intelligence agencies have uncovered a possible missile shipment from China to Iran in recent weeks, US sources told .
Iran triggered market chaos by paralysing the strait – through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes – and pushed up pump and prices in the UK and the rest of the world.
The Murlikishan – which is under US sanctions travelled from ChinaCredit: Marine Traffic
The bulk carrier Christianna sailed from the Iranian port city Bandar Imam KhomeiniCredit: Marine Traffic
The sanctioned Elpis the Iranian port of BushehrCredit: Marine Traffic
A two-week ceasefire launched on April 7 appeared to be holding yesterday – but oil prices remained high as the strait remained blocked to normal traffic.
And the cunning Iranians appeared to have prepared to wait out a blockade by ferrying oil outside the strait before the conflict erupted to supply its supporters in China and India.
America’s Wall Street Journal reported that 160 million barrels of Iranian oil – worth £12 billion – is stored in tankers already at sea out of the reach of US forces.
The vast stash means Trump’s bid to choke the Iranian economy will have no effect before his ceasefire deadline next Tuesday.
But the president has said that Iran called this morning and are eager to “work a deal” to bring an end to the war.
He told reporters: “We’ve been called by the other side, they’d like to make a deal very badly, very badly.”
Trump’s vice-president warned the Iranians Trump had shown “two can play at that game” when the US blockade was launched on Monday.
He went on to accuse the brutal regime of “economic terrorism.”
Vance is expected to attend a new round of peace talks with uncompromising Iranian negotiators in the Pakistani capital Islamabad over the weekend.
More details emerged about the failed peace talks with reports saying the dispute between the sides focused on the length of time Iran would be banned from enriching uranium.
Tehran wanted five years while was insisting on 20, leading to optimism that future talks – potentially due in the next fortnight – may lead to a compromise and an end to the war.
Vance said negotiations “did make some progress”.
Iran also wants America and Israel to stump up to cover the losses it has suffered due to the war – which it currently puts at $270bn (£200bn).
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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