After the blockade was implemented, the US military claimed that "no ships broke through," but a British maritime analysis company reported that seven ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

```

After the United States imposed a blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, the commercial navigation situation in the Strait of Hormuz has become highly complex. The U.S. military emphasizes that its blockade against Iran has not been breached, while data from maritime analysis organizations and media reports indicate that several commercial ships are still passing through this global energy transport chokepoint, provided they do not stop at Iranian ports.

According to media reports, U.S. Central Command stated that in the first 24 hours after the blockade took effect, "no vessels breached" the U.S. military blockade, and six commercial ships turned back to Iranian ports under U.S. military orders.

However, according to a Xinhua News Agency report, the UK-based maritime analytics company Windward pointed out that navigation in the Strait has not completely ceased, with 10 ships entering and 7 ships exiting on the 13th. Other media reported that more than 20 approved commercial vessels that have not visited Iranian ports have passed through the Strait in the past 24 hours.

The discrepancies in the above information reflect the practical boundaries of the blockade's implementation: The U.S. military’s operation is strictly targeted at ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, rather than imposing a comprehensive navigation ban on the entire Strait.

Although, in theory, non-sanctioned vessels can still pass, the overall commercial flow is only a fraction of what it was before the conflict—due to potential threats from sea mines, drones, and missiles—thus failing to quickly alleviate market concerns over disruptions in the energy supply chain.

Blockade Enforcement and Current Navigation Status

Since the U.S. implemented the blockade, the market has been highly concerned about the navigation situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to media, U.S. Central Command stated that the U.S. has deployed more than a dozen warships, over 100 warplanes, and tens of thousands of soldiers for the blockade mission. The U.S. statement focused on cutting off Iran’s port connections, confirming that no ships have managed to breach the blockade targeting Iranian ports within the first 24 hours.

Meanwhile, shipping data confirms that the Strait itself has not completely shut down. Windward observed that while some ships are passing through, abnormal behaviors such as vessels turning around, turning off their automatic identification systems, and reducing speed have occurred, indicating that these ships are reassessing routing risks.

A media correspondent posted a video from the Strait of Hormuz on social media, claiming the Strait is "completely safe," and stated, "Maybe in some parallel universe, Trump really did allow them to pass."

However, some users commented, "This is a misinterpretation of the blockade. The blockade targets ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, not a total blockade of the Strait. Other ships can certainly pass."

Media cited John Denholm, incoming chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, as saying that theoretically, as long as ships do not stop at Iranian ports, they can exit the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian Larak Island route. However, he emphasized that in the context of an unclear wartime situation, such navigation remains very dangerous. As of now, there have been no cases of vessels attempting to test the U.S. blockade by making port calls in Iran.

Sanctioned Vessels Testing the Blockade’s Limits

In the initial hours after the blockade took effect, some oil tankers that had previously stopped at Iranian ports or were under sanctions tried to pass through this narrow waterway but faced resistance. Tracking data showed that the U.S.-sanctioned tanker Rich Starry passed through the Strait on Monday night and turned back on Tuesday morning. Analysts noted that the vessel possibly loaded Iranian crude oil while its GPS was turned off.

Another sanctioned tanker, Elpis, sent signals from Iran’s Bushehr port and, after passing through the Strait on Monday afternoon, remained outside the Strait. Gregory Brew, an analyst with Eurasia Group, said this is the first real test of the blockade, and Iran needs to use this to gauge the U.S.’s resolve to enforce the blockade.

Media cited U.S. officials as saying that approved freighters, container ships, and oil tankers entering and leaving the Persian Gulf are still passing through, with some vessels turning off their transponders to reduce the risk of attack.

Risk Disclaimer and Liability ClauseThere are risks in the market; investment should be cautious. This article does not constitute individual investment advice, nor does it take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any particular user. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their own circumstances. Investments made accordingly are at your own risk. ```