Five sanctioned Iranian ships cross U.S. naval blockade between Tuesday and Wednesday

The ships included three oil tankers, a bulk carrier and a container ship. Another sanctioned oil tanker turned off its location broadcasting system overnight on Monday as it approached the blockade from the Pakistani port of Karachi.

By Kevin Killough

Published: June 17, 2026 12:53pm

Five sanctioned Iranian ships on Tuesday and Wednesday crossed through the U.S. blockade line in the Gulf of Oman.

The vessels departed the southern Iranian port of Chabahar, CBS News reported, citing shipping traffic data. The ships headed east after transiting the blockade.

The vessels included three oil tankers, a bulk carrier and a container ship. Another sanctioned oil tanker turned off its location broadcasting system overnight on Monday as it approached the blockade from the Pakistani port of Karachi.

The vessels were sailing under Iranian flags and are owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines or the National Iranian Tanker Company. Both companies are subject to U.S. sanctions related to Iran's oil trade and weapons program.