Iranian Oil Tankers Defy U.S. Blockade

Four Iranian oil tankers have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, apparently defying a blockade imposed by the United States. Shipping data from the analysis firm Kpler indicates that the vessels passed through the critical waterway earlier this week.

Collectively carrying 7 million barrels of oil, the tankers, identified as Hilda I, Amber, Silvia 1, and Happiness I, are known for transporting Iranian crude oil from Kharg Island. Their typical route involves transferring the cargo to other tankers off the coast of Malaysia and Singapore, ultimately delivering it to buyers, predominantly in China, as a method to circumvent international sanctions.

“

All attacks against Beirut will have serious consequences and will lead to a full-scale continuation of the war.

The U.S. declared a full blockade on all ships traveling to or from Iranian ports on April 13. Despite this measure, the four tankers were not intercepted during their passage on Monday. This incident follows a similar defiance by three other Iran-linked oil tankers on April 15, though no further attempts were reported until now, according to Kpler.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning against further Israeli attacks on Beirut. He stated that continued assaults on Lebanon's capital would lead Iran to resume the war in full scale, emphasizing that Iran's armed forces are prepared to retaliate if Israel attacks Beirut.

“

Our armed forces are ready to attack Israel if they attack Beirut.