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First Tanker Exits Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Blockade

4/18/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Pakistan-flagged tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. blockade began.
It carries about 450,000 barrels of crude from Das Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is en route to Karachi.
Iranian oil exports remain active, with about 153.7 million barrels on the water as of April 15.
The blockade has limited Strait traffic, with only a few vessels crossing.

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Story summary

The Pakistan-flagged tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to exit the Strait of Hormuz since the U.S. blockade began.
It carries about 450,000 barrels of crude from Das Island in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is en route to Karachi.
Iranian oil exports remain active, with about 153.7 million barrels on the water as of April 15.
The blockade has limited Strait traffic, with only a few vessels crossing.