Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 22: At least 34 tankers linked to Iran have reportedly bypassed the US naval blockade imposed last week, according to a report by The Financial Times citing cargo tracking data from Vortexa.

The report said several of the vessels were carrying Iranian crude oil and continued maritime movements linked to Iran despite the blockade, even as US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “tremendous success”.

Of the 34 tankers identified, 19 reportedly exited the Gulf through restricted waters, while 15 entered the region from the Arabian Sea, allegedly heading towards Iran.

At least six outbound vessels were said to be carrying Iranian crude totalling around 10.7 million barrels. Based on typical discounted pricing for sanctioned Iranian oil, the shipments were estimated to be worth nearly $910 million.

Among the vessels cited was Dorena, an Iranian-flagged supertanker that reportedly crossed the blockade with its transponder switched off, a tactic often used to evade maritime tracking.

Washington imposed the naval blockade on April 13 following a ceasefire that paused conflict with Iran. Initial restrictions targeted vessels entering or leaving Iranian waters, but were later widened to cover Iranian ships on the high seas and vessels suspected of aiding Tehran’s strategic operations.

Despite the reported breaches, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had turned back at least 28 vessels towards Iranian ports since the blockade began.

The US Navy has also reportedly seized a container ship in the Gulf of Oman and boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, Trump defended the operation, calling it a success and saying restrictions on key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, would remain until a “final deal” is reached with Tehran.

The report is likely to raise fresh questions over the effectiveness of the blockade amid continuing tensions in the region.