U.S. Sanctioned Supertankers Enter Gulf Despite Blockade

On April 12, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade aimed at vessels visiting Iranian ports following unsuccessful peace talks in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. Central Command reported that since the blockade's implementation on April 13, ten vessels had been turned back, and no ships had successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. However, contrary to these claims, two U.S.-sanctioned supertankers, the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Alicia and RHN, managed to enter the Gulf. The Alicia is reportedly heading to Iraq, while the RHN's destination remains unclear. Both vessels have a history of transporting Iranian oil and are capable of carrying up to two million barrels.

Sanctioned supertankers break through to Persian Gulf despite blockadeUsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesAl Monitor

The U.S. blockade is expected to significantly reduce Iran's crude oil exports, which averaged 1.68 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025. In March 2026, Iran exported 1.84 million bpd, and as of mid-April, it has shipped approximately 1.71 million bpd. Analysts suggest that while the blockade may hinder exports, Iran could maintain its production levels of 3.5 million bpd temporarily by utilizing onshore storage facilities.

The Straits Times

The U.S. military has maintained that its blockade is effective, with CENTCOM asserting that no vessels have breached the blockade since its enforcement. CENTCOM commander Navy Adm. Brad Cooper stated, “US forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea.” In contrast, Iranian media reported the successful passage of the RHN, indicating a potential gap between U.S. claims and actual maritime activities.

Al Monitor

Iranian officials have condemned the U.S. blockade, labeling it illegal and akin to piracy. Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Iran's supreme leader, issued a stark warning, stating that U.S. ships would be targeted if the blockade continued. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil trade, and criticized U.S. military actions in the region.

'Your ships will be sunk by our first missiles': Iran warns US over Strait of HormuzSanctioned supertankers break through to Persian Gulf despite blockadeAl MonitorUsNews and World Report

There are discrepancies regarding the effectiveness of the U.S. blockade. While U.S. Central Command asserts that no vessels have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz, open-source tracking data indicates that at least two tankers have entered Iranian waters. This contradiction raises questions about the blockade's enforcement and the actual movements of vessels in the region.

Al Monitor

• “US forces have completely halted economic trade going in and out of Iran by sea,” — Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander

Al Monitor

• “These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military.” — Mohsen Rezaei, Military Adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader

'Your ships will be sunk by our first missiles': Iran warns US over Strait of Hormuz

As tensions escalate, further negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are anticipated, with Iran potentially offering proposals to allow safe passage for vessels through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains fluid, with both sides preparing for possible military and diplomatic confrontations.

'Your ships will be sunk by our first missiles': Iran warns US over Strait of Hormuz