Sanctioned Chinese Tanker Challenges Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade

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Tehran: A Chinese oil tanker sanctioned by the United States passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, testing a new U.S. naval blockade order announced by President Donald Trump.

The tanker, named Rich Starry, travelled through the narrow waterway into the Gulf of Oman after a second attempt, according to shipping data. It is carrying around 250,000 barrels of methanol and is linked to a Chinese shipping company that was previously sanctioned by the U.S. for doing business with Iran.

Another sanctioned Chinese tanker also passed through the strait in the opposite direction and is currently in the Persian Gulf. Reports say it is heading toward Iraq to load fuel.

The U.S. blockade order instructs the Navy to stop any vessel that has paid tolls to Iran while passing through international waters. Washington says the move is meant to block Iran from earning money through shipping routes.

The situation comes after failed talks between U.S. and Iranian officials over nuclear and regional issues. However, diplomatic efforts for further talks are still ongoing.

Tensions in the region have already affected global energy prices, with concerns growing over shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes.