‘Shadow fleet’ vessels tied to Iran pass through Strait of Hormuz

· New York Post

At least two ships sanctioned by the US for serving in Iran’s “shadow fleet” passed through the Strait of Hormuz Saturday morning, tracking data revealed.

The tanker Ocean Jet, which on a US sanctions list targeting ships that are Iran’s sale of drones that have been aiding Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Lumina Ocean sanctioned oil tanker, which is flagged in Curacao, were able to navigate through the Strait undeterred, NBC news reported, citing Marine Traffic data.

The Curacao-flagged vessel reportedly made it through the waterway by staying close to the shore, according to the outlet.

A handful of cargo ships and a Russian yacht also made it through the Strait early Saturday.

Two sanctioned ships considered part of Iran’s “shadow fleet” passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according to tracking data. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) sails in the Indian Ocean as it makes its way to the Persian Gulf region. X/US Central Command

That comes despite a US naval blockade that is otherwise choking off shipping traffic.

Trump ordered the blockade of the vital passageway on April 12, in a move intended to pressure the Iranian regime. The USS George W. Bush aircraft carrier is joining the mission, Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth said Friday, and the blockade is “growing.”

But Iranian drone and missile attacks on ships prior to the US and Tehran agreeing to a cease-fire on April 8, as well as the threat of potential Iranian mines has prevented many captains from risking the passage.

US Central Command did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment but CENTCOM posted an image on social media Saturday of the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta helping enforce the blockade against an Iranian-flagged ship trying to sail to an Iranian port on April 24.

Vital trade that passes through the Strait of Hormuz has been virtually choked off, but some vessels continue to pass through. MARINETRAFFIC.COM/AFP via Getty Images

It also posted an image of the Bush Carrier Strike Group sailing in the Indian Ocean as it makes its way to the region.

Meanwhile, a US Navy operation is underway to search for mines and keep the Strait clear of potential threats. The USS George W. Bush aircraft carrier is joining the mission, Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth said Friday, and the blockade is “growing.”

This screen grab taken from undated video footage released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) shows the type of fast boasts the Iranians could use to harass ships. IRIB TV/AFP via Getty Images

Trump called off peace talks Saturday that were scheduled to take place in Islamabad, where Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff were planning to meet Pakistani mediators and an Iranian delegation.

He was upbeat on the overall US position. “We have all the cards. We’ve won everything,” Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida.