An Iranian-flagged cargo vessel is currently passing through the Strait of Hormuz, defying a US blockade on Iranian ports along this vital trade route. The vessel, named Shoja 2, set sail from the Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas, as reported by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency. It is en route to the Port of Kandla in India.
The movement through the Strait of Hormuz has faced disruptions since Iran shut down the route in response to joint US-Israeli strikes that commenced on February 28. Despite a temporary ceasefire, the US has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait to pressure Iran into reopening the passage and meeting peace negotiation terms.
Approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of this strait has caused significant disturbances in global markets, leading to a surge in oil prices.
Recently, footage released by the US Central Command depicted US marines boarding an Iranian tanker after allegedly causing damage to its engine room. The marines were seen descending from a US aircraft onto the Iranian tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.
Although there is no independent verification of the cargo ship’s transit through the strait, Al Jazeera news agency has cited marine tracking data from MarineTraffic, indicating that the vessel is currently navigating in the strait. According to MarineTraffic, the Shoja 2 is heading towards India.