Russian shadow fleet tanker slips through Strait of Hormuz
A tanker from Russia's so-called shadow fleet has entered the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, becoming one of a dozen vessels that have passed through this strategic waterway after the United States and Iran agreed to a ceasefire.
Source: Financial Times
Details: The Russian-flagged Arhimeda tanker, a very large crude carrier previously sanctioned by the United States under a different name for involvement in Iranian oil trade, switched off its transponder near the entrance to the strait on Thursday and reappeared in the Persian Gulf later that evening.
This is at least the second vessel linked to US sanctions to enter the strait this week.
Most ships that have so far passed through the strait have been linked to Iran in one way or another, as the majority of shipowners are waiting for greater clarity regarding safe passage conditions.
Background:
- US President Donald Trump criticised the Islamic Republic of Iran for poorly complying with agreements on reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.
- On the night of 7-8 April, Trump said he had agreed to suspend bombing and attacks on Iran for two weeks if the country fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz.
- Israel later joined the two-week ceasefire with Iran.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would cease military actions and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks if attacks on the country stopped.
- Under the terms of the temporary truce, Iran and Oman may charge fees to ships attempting to pass through the strait.
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