Around 28 Iranian-linked ships carrying oil and gas transited the Strait of Hormuz despite the US blockade, reports The Wall Street Journal. The tankers slipped through this critical checkpoint for global oil supply. Tankers laden with Iranian cargo have left the Gulf of Oman since April 13, when the blockade was implemented.
Meanwhile, the US military claimed that it had turned around over 27 vessels and ‘completely halted’ Iranian trade. However, Lloyd’s List, which is a premier source for global maritime news, data and analysis, stated that at least 28 vessels linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” have bypassed the US naval blockade
A steady flow of shadow fleet traffic in and out of the Middle East Gulf. Twelve shadow fleet vessels breached the U S blockade, and five transited East. The remaining nine vessels moved Westbound.
The U S Central Command (CENTCOM) has directed 27 to 28 vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports since a naval blockade was initiated on April 13, 2026, following the failure of peace talks. The blockade is part of intensified US-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. On April 19, 2026, the US seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska after it refused to comply with warnings, marking the first such seizure in the area. Dozens of transits occurred in the first few days, while some ships were turned back. The blockade appears to have been effective in the first 24–48 hours, but harder to sustain perfectly over time. Partial enforcement reality: Some ships comply or are intercepted, while others slip through gaps.
The U.S. may be counting direct interdictions, while Lloyd’s is tracking overall vessel movements, including indirect or deceptive routes. Iran’s so-called shadow fleet is specifically designed to evade sanctions and blockades. The fleet uses common tactics, including disabling or spoofing tracking systems (AIS). Lloyd’s List Intelligence shows a steady flow of shadow fleet traffic in and out of the Middle East Gulf
Ship-to-ship transfers at sea and complex ownership structures, and flag changes, routing through third countries or indirect paths. These methods make a 100% airtight naval blockade extremely difficult, even with a heavy military presence.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the “violations” include the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which he said amounted to taking the global economy “hostage” and “warmongering” by Israel on all fronts. Iran remains open to negotiations, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, but he added, “breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations”. It appeared early Tuesday that the US and Iran would hold new peace talks in Pakistan this week – but they have yet to begin.
