Hormuz Strait Sees Third Iran-linked Vessel During First Day of U.S. Blockade

On the first full day of the U.S. blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports, a third Iran-linked tanker entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz as two other sanctioned ships transited the area; Peace Gulf is heading to Hamriyah, Murlikishan to load fuel oil for Iraq, and Rich Starry is expected to exit the Gulf. The vessels transiting the strait were not bound for Iranian ports and thus aren’t covered by the blockade; the move comes after failed peace talks in Islamabad and amid broader tensions, with China calling the blockade dangerous.