Tracking data reveals that at least three ships departed Iran and passed a key strategic point despite the U.S. declaring a blockade, while some vessels turned back midway. The U.S. military confirmed it still controls the situation.
Data from the ship tracking system shows that at least three vessels leaving Iranian ports managed to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. military declaring a blockade in the area.
A report from maritime data company Kpler stated these ships are among at least seven linked to Iran that passed through the strait after the U.S. blockade took effect at 14:00 GMT on Monday.
One vessel under close observation is the 'Christianna,' a Liberian-flagged cargo ship that recently unloaded 74,000 tons of corn at Bandar Imam Khomeini port before sailing near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the chemical tanker 'Elpis,' flagged in Comoros and carrying over 31,000 tons of methanol from Bushehr port, also passed through the strait. Its tracking signal disappeared after leaving the area.
Additionally, the 'Argo Maris' and other vessels previously linked to Iran sailed along the same route.
However, maritime analysts warn that tracking signals in conflict zones may be disrupted or falsified, causing uncertainty in real-time monitoring.
The U.S. military's CENTCOM released a statement confirming that the blockade remains effective and that it intercepted at least six ships within the first 24 hours.
The statement said no vessel managed to breach the U.S. blockade, and six commercial ships complied with orders to return to Iranian ports.
The U.S. emphasized that these measures apply to all ships of any nationality entering or leaving Iranian ports in both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Separately, the Chinese oil tanker 'Rich Starry,' carrying over 31,500 tons of methanol and bound for Oman, decided to turn back midway through the Gulf of Oman with its new destination unknown.
Similarly, the 'Christianna' altered its course after approaching Omani waters.
Other identified vessels include the 'Manali' and Iranian-flagged ships 'Kashan' and 'Moshtari,' some of which are under U.S. sanctions.
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