Did the US military MISS these two Iran-linked vessels?

At least two vessels linked to Iranian ports passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday despite a blockade imposed by the United States military, according to maritime tracking data.

Shipping analytics firm Kpler reported that the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Christianna transited the strait after unloading cargo at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini.

The vessel passed near Iran’s Larak Island at around 18:00 (SA time), roughly two hours after the blockade came into effect.

Talks collapse

A second vessel, the Comoros-flagged tanker Elpis, was also recorded near Larak Island earlier in the day and cleared the strategic waterway at approximately 18:00 (SA time).

The US had announced that the blockade would apply to all ships departing from or seeking to dock at Iranian ports along the key shipping route, following the collapse of talks between the United States and Iran.

Important oil transit route

The reported movements suggest that some vessels are still able to pass through the corridor despite the restrictions, although it remains unclear how consistently the blockade is being enforced.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, and any disruption to traffic through the passage has implications for global energy markets.