Three fully laden India-linked supertankers have reappeared in the Gulf of Oman, adding to increased traffic reports across the Strait of Hormuz. This occurs amid conflicting claims from Iran and the US regarding the status of transits through the vital energy chokepoint.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation, and conflicting reports about its status and increased tanker traffic raise concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies and geopolitical stability in the region.
Three fully laden India-linked supertankers have reappeared in the Gulf of Oman, contributing to increased reports of traffic moving across the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels, Desh Vibhor, Desh Vaibhav, and Sanmar Herald, were observed in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea after attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. These supertankers, carrying nearly 6 million barrels of Iraqi and Kuwaiti oil, suggest potential routes approved by Tehran, as they were last seen signalling their attempt to cross towards the Iranian island of Qeshm.
The reappearance of these tankers coincides with conflicting narratives from Iran and the US regarding the status of transits through the vital energy chokepoint. Iran proclaimed the strait shut on Saturday, citing Israel's continued attacks in southern Lebanon as a violation of a ceasefire deal. Conversely, the US Central Command pushed back against Iran's claim, reporting that traffic had increased with 55 merchant ships crossing the strait and delivering approximately 17 million barrels of oil to global markets.