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Takaichi: Idemitsu Maru Crosses Hormuz, Demands Free Transit

4/30/2026

29 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sanae Takaichi announced Idemitsu Maru crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 29 2026.
The VLCC carried about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude.
It used the Tehran-approved northern lane near Qeshm and Larak islands.
It was the only VLCC to leave the Persian Gulf in ten days.
Takaichi urged Iran to guarantee free transit, noting U.S. President Donald Trump prepared for a blockade and analysts expect shipping delayed until mid-September.

History

Historical Context

During the October 1973 OAPEC embargo, Saudi Arabia and Iran cut exports by 5 million barrels per day, dropping global flow to 30 million barrels and forcing Japan—then importing 90 % of its oil—to slash consumption. In April 2026 the Japanese tanker Idemitsu Maru, carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude, used the Tehran-approved northern lane, while Minister Sanae Takaichi urged Iran to keep it open amid a Trump-linked blockade threat.

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Story summary

Sanae Takaichi announced Idemitsu Maru crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 29 2026.
The VLCC carried about 2 million barrels of Saudi crude.
It used the Tehran-approved northern lane near Qeshm and Larak islands.
It was the only VLCC to leave the Persian Gulf in ten days.
Takaichi urged Iran to guarantee free transit, noting U.S. President Donald Trump prepared for a blockade and analysts expect shipping delayed until mid-September.

1 / 2