On the third day of the U.S. blockade of Hormuz, two Iranian-related ships detoured into the Persian Gulf

On the third day of the U.S. blockade against the Strait of Hormuz, at least two Iran‑related vessels under U.S. sanctions sailed slowly into the Persian Gulf by detouring through the UAE and taking the exclusive waterway between Iran’s Larak Island and Qeshm Island. The emergence of this new route indicates that vessels linked to Iran are actively seeking alternative channels to evade the U.S. blockade and ease the shipping pressure caused by the restrictions.

According to the latest update from Xinhua News Agency, Iran has explicitly stated that it will activate alternative ports outside its southern harbors to bypass the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and secure the transportation of essential supplies and energy. Professional ship-tracking data shows that the LPG carrier *G Summer* and the very large crude carrier *Hong Lu* passed through the waterway between the two islands and entered the Persian Gulf on Wednesday afternoon local time. Both vessels are currently in ballast condition, with destinations listed as Khor Al Zubair Port in Iraq and “awaiting instructions” respectively; their next moves remain to be seen.

Notably, ahead of these two ships, the bulk carrier *Rosalina* had already sailed into the Persian Gulf via the same route. Tracking data shows it was heading toward an Iranian port, primarily to deliver food supplies and alleviate pressure on Iran’s civilian livelihoods caused by the blockade.

Although the U.S. blockade has not completely cut off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the number of transiting vessels has dropped sharply. Media statistics indicate that only 11 merchant ships passed through the strait on Tuesday, compared with an average of 16 vessels per day over the weekend before the blockade and a pre‑conflict daily average of roughly 135, representing a dramatic decline. So far, no fully loaded Iranian oil tanker has been observed exiting the strait, meaning Iran’s wartime oil exports of around 1.7 million barrels per day face a high risk of disruption, which would deal a considerable blow to its economy.

## Details of the new route: Detour via UAE, crossing the island waterway

According to media reports, the *G Summer* and *Hong Lu* arrived in waters near Fujairah, UAE, earlier this week, then changed course to cross the Gulf of Oman toward the northeast, gradually approaching Iran’s coastline before heading north and finally entering the Strait of Hormuz. Compared with normal shipping lanes, this path is unusually circuitous, clearly designed to avoid interception by the U.S. Navy.

Shipping database records show that *G Summer* is owned and managed by Hong Kong‑registered Seaport-Glory Marine Co. Ltd., which is currently unreachable. Information on the owner and operator of *Hong Lu* does not appear in relevant databases — a characteristic typical of vessels in the “shadow fleet”.

Several hours before *G Summer* and *Hong Lu* entered the Persian Gulf, the bulk carrier *Rosalina* completed the same passage, with its route clearly directed at an Iranian port for food delivery. Public records show that *Rosalina*’s owner, Pacific Dream Shipping, shares the same business address as Monaco‑registered Sea World Management s.a.m., indicating a close relationship between the two firms.

## Dual blockade in place: Traffic plunges but does not stop entirely

U.S. Central Command said in a statement on Wednesday that no vessels had successfully broken through its blockade, and that nine other ships had turned back toward Iran on U.S. military orders without attempting to cross the strait. However, Iran has made a conflicting claim, stating that one of its supertankers had successfully evaded the U.S. blockade, without identifying the vessel or providing further details.

Industry analysts believe the “blockade‑breaking tanker” mentioned by Iran is most likely the sanctioned, ballast vessel *Alicia*, which transited into Iranian waters near Larak Island earlier on Wednesday — several hours before *Hong Lu* — also using a roundabout route to avoid interception.

The Strait of Hormuz is now under a “dual blockade”: naval forces from both the U.S. and Iran strictly regulate passing vessels. Crews and cargo owners must obtain clearance from both navies to transit safely, significantly increasing the difficulty and cost of passage. In addition, electronic interference in the area and the common practice of some vessels switching off their transponders mean some crossings may go untracked and unrecorded, suggesting the actual number of transits may be slightly higher than publicly reported.

Separately, the small product tanker *Nobler* exited the Strait of Hormuz eastward into the Gulf of Oman several hours after *Hong Lu* and other vessels entered the Persian Gulf, with its destination listed as Sohar Port in Oman. The ship has been stationed in the Persian Gulf since early February, remaining there throughout seven weeks of regional conflict; its departure likely reflects Iran’s adjustments to its shipping arrangements. Furthermore, two Iran‑related container ships, *Golbon* and *Kashan*, left the Persian Gulf on Wednesday and sailed along Iran’s coast toward the Pakistani border, presumably to use alternative ports for cargo transshipment.

## Diplomatic mediation underway: Iran weighs participation in next round of U.S.-Iran talks

As the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to escalate, diplomatic mediation between the U.S. and Iran is also progressing, drawing global attention. Citing Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Xinhua reported that following a meeting with a delegation led by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Munir, Iran will conduct necessary assessments before deciding whether to hold a new round of negotiations with the U.S., with no definitive answer yet announced.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Iran has made clear that a ceasefire in Lebanon would serve as an important positive signal for its participation in further talks. At the same time, the U.S. must adhere to a reasonable negotiating framework, avoid making excessive demands, and uphold commitments made before the ceasefire; otherwise, Iran will refuse to continue negotiations.

Iranian media also disclosed that, as part of its negotiating proposal, Iran has suggested that if a reliable agreement is reached to prevent renewed conflict, it may consider allowing free passage of vessels on the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz, easing shipping pressure and creating favorable conditions for talks. However, Iran’s foreign ministry has explicitly stated that it cannot “accept the U.S. plan in full”, calling such one‑sided concessions “inconsistent with the logic of negotiation and dialogue”. Both sides must advance consultations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

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