Numerous Iran-linked vessels transit Strait of Hormuz ahead of US sanctions

Mekong, July 15 The number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz increased yesterday ahead of US sanctions set to take effect today, with most of them linked to Iranian trade, according to shipping data. In the latest escalation of conflict between Iran and the United States, US President Donald Trump said yesterday that if Iran does not return to the negotiating table, the US Navy would block Iranian ports and attack Iran's power plants and bridges next week. Shipping data from Kpler shows that out of 11 vessels that transited the strait yesterday, 9 sailed along routes designated by Iran. Among them, one medium-sized vessel carrying no cargo and two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) were observed entering the strait. Data shows that vessels departing the strait carrying Iranian exports included one VLCC carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, one medium-sized vessel carrying petroleum products, and two vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas. One vessel carrying methanol and one vessel carrying iron ore also departed Hormuz, according to Kpler data. The news also stated that no oil and gas tankers from other Gulf countries were seen entering or leaving. Following a renewed escalation of mutual attacks between Iran and the United States this week, vessel traffic in the strait, which handled one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas before the war, has significantly decreased. Last week, Iran attacked seven cargo ships in the strait, resulting in about a dozen sailors killed, injured, or missing, the US said late yesterday. Aye Kyaw Ref: Reuters #MeKongNews #USA #Sanctions #Iran #Hormuz