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Hormuz Blockade: Ships Defy US Sanctions
15 Apr
Summary
- Limited disruption seen on day one of US blockade in Strait of Hormuz.
- Three Iran-linked tankers transited the strait, unaffected by the blockade.
- China condemns US blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible'.

The Strait of Hormuz experienced limited disruption on the initial full day of a US blockade targeting ships bound for Iranian ports. Shipping data indicated at least eight vessels, including three Iran-linked tankers, transited the strategic waterway. These Iran-linked tankers were not headed to Iranian ports and thus were exempt from the blockade.
However, overall traffic remained significantly below pre-blockade levels. The US Central Command reported that six vessels complied with instructions to turn back to Iranian ports during the first 24 hours. China's foreign ministry denounced the US blockade as "dangerous and irresponsible," predicting it would escalate regional tensions.