Iranian tanker Sili City reaches port under naval escort despite US threats, as maritime tensions escalate ahead of ceasefire expiry.
Key Developments
- Iranian oil tanker enters territorial waters despite US naval threats.
- Iranian Navy escorts vessel safely to southern port.
- Iranian ships continue crossing Strait of Hormuz despite blockade.
Iranian Tanker Reaches Port under Naval Protection
Iran’s Army announced on Tuesday that an Iranian oil tanker successfully entered the country’s territorial waters despite repeated warnings and threats issued by US naval forces.
In a statement cited by Al Mayadeen and Tasnim, the Iranian Army said that the vessel, identified as Sili City, was escorted by the Iranian Navy and secured throughout its journey across the Arabian Sea.
“Despite multiple warnings and threats from the US Navy task force, the tanker entered Iranian territorial waters with operational support from the Army’s Navy and in full security,” the statement said, according to Tasnim.
The tanker has since docked at a southern Iranian port, where it has remained for several hours following its arrival.
Continued Defiance
The development comes amid a growing confrontation over maritime access, following Washington’s imposition of a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping routes.
According to Al Mayadeen, Iranian commercial vessels have continued to navigate the Strait of Hormuz despite the restrictions, including shipments of crude oil and liquefied gas bound for countries such as China and India.
Tasnim reported earlier that an Iranian cargo ship had also successfully transited the Strait, underscoring Tehran’s continued defiance of US measures.
US Central Command, cited by Tasnim, said American forces have redirected at least 27 commercial vessels since the blockade began on April 13.
Unlawful Vessel Seizure
The maritime tensions intensified following the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska in the Gulf of Oman.
According to US officials, the vessel was intercepted after allegedly failing to comply with blockade directives, while Iran condemned the move as “unlawful” and described it as an act of aggression.
The tanker’s successful arrival now signals Tehran’s determination to maintain its shipping routes despite increasing pressure.
Iranian authorities emphasized that naval forces remain committed to protecting national shipping interests, particularly as tensions escalate in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor.
The developments come as a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire between Iran and the United States approaches its expiration.
US President Donald Trump has said it is “highly unlikely” the ceasefire will be extended, adding that the blockade on Iranian ports and maritime routes will remain in place until a broader agreement is reached.
(PC, Al Mayadeen Tasnim)
