China-Linked Tanker Blacklisted By US Defies Trump's Hormuz Blockade, Makes Two Exit Attempts

A China-linked tanker has tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz, challenging United States President Donal Trump’s naval blockade and restrictions on Iranian oil trade. According to a report by Bloomberg, the vessel was previously sanctioned by the US. The tanker, now identified as Rich Starry, was banned by the US in 2023 because it tried to help Iran function despite the sanctions. The vessel at that time was called Full Star.

Ship-tracking records mentioned in the report stated that the tanker attempted to exit the Persian Gulf twice within a period of 24 hours.

Soon after the blockade was implemented, the vessel Rich Starry moved toward the tight waterway near Iran’s Qeshm Island but changed course before making another attempt later the same day.

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On its second effort to pass through, the ship signaled that it was operated and headed by Chinese nationals. Although such identification is usually shared for safety purposes in maritime operations, this particular incident is drawing attention as it could challenge how strictly the US chooses to apply restrictions on ships.

There is still no confirmation on whether the tanker recently stopped at Iranian ports or if it is transporting any cargo at present, according to the Bloomberg report.

This doubt has heightened unease among global shipping and trading communities, many of which are awaiting information about how the blockade, which was enforced from 10 am New York time on Monday, will function in practice.

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On Monday, Trump said that the US military has begun a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas and Iran responded with threats on ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Trump had vowed earlier to block the Strait of Hormuz entirely.

Trump later suggested he was willing to engage with Iran, saying he had spoken to "the other side." This came after he warned on social media that Iranian warships coming "anywhere close" to the US blockade would be destroyed.

Although US jumped into the Hormuz region with giant weapons system, reports claim the task would not be easy for US Navy as their Iranian counterparts are also there beforehand, having a wide experience of the region.