15:25 - 14.04.2026

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April 14, Fineko/abc.az. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran and the United States, but individual vessels continue to take risks and pass through it.

ABC.AZ reports that on April 13, according to CNN, the sanctioned tanker Elpis passed through the strait. It soon became known that Chinese oil tankers Rich Starry (under the flag of Malawi) and Ostria (under the flag of Botswana) stopped at the entrance, but on April 14, Rich Starry nevertheless entered the Strait.

China stated to the U.S. that it does not intend to stop navigation, citing agreements with Iran. According to Reuters, Rich Starry has about 250,000 barrels of methanol on board, and the ship is associated with a company under sanctions for cooperation with Tehran.

Another sub-sanctioned tanker, the Murlikishan, also headed for the Strait. At the same time, the U.S. Navy is on duty at the exit of the Strait, intending to stop ships associated with Iran, while the Iranian forces control the passage itself.

China remains the largest buyer of Iranian oil and petroleum products.