Dubai, April 15, 2026 – A US-sanctioned tanker attempting to test President Trump’s new naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aborted its transit and turned back toward the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, amid escalating US-Iran tensions. The move highlights enforcement challenges on Day 2 of the blockade targeting Iran-linked shipping.
Tanker Fails Breakthrough Attempt
The Botswana-flagged tanker Oster II approached the strait post-US deadline but reversed course minutes later, per shipping data from LSEG and Kpler. Not bound for Iran, it avoided direct violation but underscored operator caution amid US Navy patrols.
This follows Rich Starry, a Chinese-owned chemical tanker (sanctioned since 2023 for Iran oil trade), successfully transiting hours after the April 13 blockade start. Owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping, it departed UAE’s Sharjah en route to China, marking the first known passage.
US Blockade Context
Announced by Trump after failed Islamabad talks, the blockade aims to choke Iran’s shadow oil exports through naval interdiction. Other tankers like Elpis and Mereliction (Iran-linked) entered the strait, but Oster II‘s retreat signals hesitation among 6+ vessels that turned around.
China warned against interference, placing naval forces on alert as global oil prices spike 5%.
