US Intercepts Iran Oil Tankers as Hormuz Still Closed

April 23, 2026 – Tensions in the Persian Gulf remain high as the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports enters its second week, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that American forces have now directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports. At the same time, the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most critical energy chokepoint — stays largely closed under Iranian restrictions, severely limiting commercial traffic despite a fragile ceasefire extension.

The U.S. blockade, which began around April 13, targets ships entering or exiting Iranian ports in response to the ongoing regional conflict. Iran has retaliated by maintaining strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, firing on or seizing vessels it deems non-compliant and declaring the waterway closed until the U.S. lifts its measures. Shipping data shows traffic through the strait remains at a fraction of pre-crisis levels (normally over 130 crossings per day carrying roughly 20 million barrels per day of oil and LNG equivalents).

U.S. Intercepts: Ships Turned Away and Captured

CENTCOM has provided regular updates on enforcement actions. As of April 23, 31 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to Iranian ports since the blockade started. Most complied without escalation after warnings from U.S. Navy assets, including destroyers and patrol aircraft.

Key intercepted or turned-away Iranian-flagged oil tankers (primarily in Asian waters as part of global enforcement): Dorena (supertanker, fully loaded with ~2 million barrels of crude): Intercepted off southern India; now under escort by a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after attempting to violate the blockade.

Hero II and Hedy (Iranian-flagged very-large crude carriers): Intercepted earlier this week; anchored in Chah Bahar, Iran (not evading as some media initially reported).

Deep Sea (part-loaded supertanker): Redirected off Malaysia’s coast.
Sevin (carrying ~65% of capacity, up to 1 million barrels): Intercepted off Malaysia.
Additional vessels, including possible involvement of the Derya, were diverted in recent days per shipping and security sources.

Captured vessels (boarded and seized by U.S. forces): M/V Touska (Iranian-flagged container/cargo ship, IMO 9328900): Seized April 19 in the Arabian Sea/Gulf of Oman. USS Spruance (DDG-111) issued warnings for six hours, then disabled the vessel’s propulsion with gunfire to the engine room. U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded and took custody. The ship was sanctioned and suspected of carrying dual-use equipment. Cargo is being searched; the vessel remains in U.S. custody.

M/T Tifani (sanctioned VLCC tanker, IMO 9273337): Boarded without incident on April 21 in the INDOPACOM area (Bay of Bengal/Indian Ocean). Previously linked to Iranian oil smuggling, carrying Iranian crude. Now in U.S. military custody.

CENTCOM has emphasized its global reach, stating that “international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.” Private trackers (e.g., Vortexa, Lloyd’s List) have reported some Iran-linked tankers (estimates of 19–34 exiting/entering the Gulf) going dark or attempting to bypass, but CENTCOM has pushed back on specific evasion claims, noting intercepts like those above.

What Happens to the Intercepted or Captured Tankers?

Turned-away vessels: These are redirected to reverse course and return to Iranian ports (or, in some Asian cases, held under escort until compliant). No boarding or force is typically required if they comply.
Captured vessels (Touska and Tifani): Held in U.S. custody for inspection. Cargo is searched for sanctions violations or dual-use items. Legal experts note these could become U.S. government property as “prizes of war” after valuation and potential prize court proceedings. The ships and/or cargo may be towed to a friendly port, auctioned, or transferred. Precedents from other sanctions enforcement (e.g., Venezuelan oil) suggest confiscated oil is often sold, with proceeds potentially going to U.S. accounts or victims of related activities. Decisions on long-term disposition rest with the White House and Pentagon.

Status of the Hormuz Blockade and Traffic

The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively restricted. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGCN) has fired on vessels attempting passage and seized at least two container ships on April 22 (reported as non-compliant with its “strict management”). Traffic data from recent days shows only a handful of ships transiting (e.g., 3 in one 24-hour period), far below normal volumes. Some non-Iran-bound vessels have passed early in the blockade, but overall commercial activity is minimal due to war-risk insurance spikes and Iranian warnings.

“Shadow fleet” tactics (AIS dark, flag-hopping) have allowed some Iran-linked tankers to attempt passage, but U.S. enforcement — supported by P-8 Poseidon surveillance and carrier strike groups — has limited success. Iran claims the strait is closed “until the U.S. lifts its blockade,” while the U.S. maintains freedom of navigation for non-Iranian traffic.

Oil Pipelines Bypassing the Strait of Hormuz

With Hormuz traffic curtailed, Gulf producers have maximized alternative routes. Current pumping rates (as of late March–April 2026 reports amid the crisis): Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline (Petroline): Operating at full design capacity of 7 million barrels per day (bpd) from Abqaiq to Yanbu on the Red Sea. Approximately 2 million bpd supplies domestic refineries; the rest supports exports. This has been a critical lifeline.

UAE’s Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP / Habshan-Fujairah): Capacity 1.5–1.8 million bpd to Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman (bypassing Hormuz). Recent utilization ~1.62 million bpd, with some spare capacity.

Iraq’s Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline (to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast): Limited flows of ~250,000 bpd due to prior disputes and infrastructure constraints.
Iran’s own Goureh-Jask Pipeline (bypassing Hormuz for its exports): ~300,000 bpd capacity.

Total effective bypass capacity: Roughly 9 million bpd at maximum (primarily Saudi and UAE), covering less than 30–50% of pre-crisis Hormuz flows (~20 million bpd). Terminal constraints at Yanbu and other ports limit real-world offsets further. Analysts note these routes provide partial relief but cannot fully replace strait shipments.

Outlook

The dual enforcement by the U.S. (blockade) and Iran (strait restrictions) continues to disrupt global energy flows, though bypass pipelines and some shadow-fleet activity have mitigated total shutdowns. Diplomatic talks remain on edge as the ceasefire extension plays out. Energy markets are watching closely for any escalation or resolution.

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