An Iranian cargo vessel is currently navigating the Strait of Hormuz despite US restrictions on Iranian ports along this crucial trade passage, as multiple reports confirm. The Shoja 2 cargo ship set sail from the Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas, as per Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The ship is reportedly en route to the Port of Kandla in India.
The flow through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted after Iran shut down the route in response to joint US-Israeli airstrikes that began in late February. Despite a temporary ceasefire, the US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait to compel Iran to reopen the passage and engage in peace talks.
Approximately 20% of the world’s traded oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and its closure has significantly impacted global markets, leading to a surge in oil prices.
A recent video released by the US Central Command depicted US marines boarding an Iranian tanker after reportedly causing damage to its engine room. The marines were observed descending from a US aircraft onto the Iranian vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
While independent verification is pending, Al Jazeera reported that marine tracking data from MarineTraffic, a maritime analytics provider, indicates the ship’s current navigation through the strait. MarineTraffic data confirms that the Shoja 2 is heading towards India.