Analysis Reveals Vessels Linked to Iran Crossed US Blockade Line
An analysis by BBC Verify of ship-tracking data indicates that at least four vessels originating from Iranian ports appear to have navigated across a US-imposed blockade line in the Gulf of Oman.
The US blockade of Iranian ports, initiated on Monday, was confirmed by President Donald Trump to remain in effect. This followed a statement from Iran’s foreign minister on Thursday, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for the duration of the ceasefire. In a post on X, Abbas Araghchi declared the strait “completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” which is set to conclude on April 22. President Trump responded on Truth Social, stating, “Thank you!” and adding in a subsequent post that “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until such time as our transaction with Iran is 100% complete.” The US has clarified that ships traveling to and from other nations will be permitted to pass through its blockade.
Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Geopolitical Chokepoint
Access to the Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of contention amidst heightened tensions between the US and Iran, particularly after actions by Tehran significantly impacted traffic in one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes. The disruption to global shipping over the past six weeks has sent ripples through the international economy, affecting energy prices and highlighting the global supply chain’s reliance on this channel connecting the Gulf with the Indian Ocean. Before the conflict began on February 28, an average of 138 ships transited the strait daily, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre.
At a Pentagon news conference on Thursday, Gen Dan Caine, America’s most senior military officer, presented a map illustrating a “blockade line” extending from the eastern tip of Oman to Iran’s border with Pakistan. Gen Caine informed reporters that the blockade “applies to all ships, regardless of nationality, heading into or from Iranian ports.” The US Navy has also stated its intention to intercept vessels suspected of transporting “contraband,” including oil, petroleum products, weapons, munitions, and nuclear material associated with Iran.
Evidence of Blockade Crossings
Despite these measures, ship-tracking data suggests that at least four vessels tracked from Iranian ports have crossed the US blockade line since its implementation. Three of these vessels—the Shabdis, Tava 4, and Azargoun—are currently under US sanctions and are broadcasting their locations off the coast of India. The cargo vessel Ashkan3 25278 is reportedly broadcasting its position at the port of Karachi in Pakistan.
It is important to note that ship-tracking relies on vessels accurately transmitting location data. However, some ships may deactivate their trackers or broadcast false positions, a practice known as “spoofing.” Experts have informed BBC Verify that this is a common tactic for sanctioned vessels linked to Iran. When BBC Verify inquired with the US military’s Central Command (Centcom) about these four vessels, it stated it had “nothing to add” to Gen Caine’s remarks from Thursday’s briefing, where he mentioned the US had not had to board any ships.
Furthermore, BBC Verify’s analysis of ship tracking data indicates that at least three additional tankers, sanctioned by the US for their connections with Iran, have also crossed the blockade line since Monday. These ships were reportedly unaffected by the blockade as they did not declare calls at Iranian ports.
Compliance and Interceptions
Centcom reported on Thursday that within the first 72 hours of the blockade, 14 vessels had “turned around to comply with the blockade at the direction of American forces.” Tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify shows at least two ships with links to Iran reversing course near the US blockade line. These include the Iranian-flagged container ship Kashan, which sailed from the port of Bandar Abbas, and the tanker Simba V, both of which have been sanctioned by the US for their connections with Iran.
Centcom later released a video, filmed from a helicopter, accompanied by what it identified as audio of a sailor on the warship USS Michael Murphy stating that a vessel would be escorted to its next port of call. Monitoring group TankerTrackers.com has confirmed to BBC Verify that the ship in the video is the Iranian-flagged tanker Deep Sea, which has also been sanctioned by the US for its ties to Iran. The Deep Sea has not broadcast location data for over a month, but BBC Verify’s analysis of satellite imagery suggests the tanker is now near the Iranian port of Chabahar. BBC Verify has sought confirmation from Centcom regarding the identity and interception location of the vessel in its published video but has not yet received a response.
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