Iran Readies 23 Dark Vessels to Evade US Blockade and Keep Oil Flowing
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 14
Iran Readies 23 Dark Vessels to Evade US Blockade and Keep Oil Flowing
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 14
Summary
Windward identified 23 Iranian-linked ships in the Strait of Hormuz using false flags, switched-off transponders or other tactics to operate as “dark vessels” ahead of the renewed US naval blockade.
Ten of the 23 already carry cargo and 13 are empty, suggesting a mix of immediate export runs and spare capacity for blockade-busting voyages.
Iran has kept exports moving through shadow-fleet methods including identity spoofing and route masking; one tracked tanker loaded at Kharg Island, passed via Iraq’s Basrah terminal and continued toward China.
50 million barrels of crude left Iran in June and 10 million barrels in a single day last week, while seven newly re-sanctioned supertankers now sit in the Indian Ocean loaded with oil and awaiting buyers.
Oil sales generate about 50% of Iran’s revenue, roughly 80% of its crude goes to China, and the prior April-June blockade helped push inflation above an already 50% annual average.