US-Sanctioned Tanker Rich Starry Navigates Gulf Amid Tensions
The Rich Starry, a US-sanctioned tanker linked to China, is navigating out of the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was blacklisted in 2023 for aiding Iran in evading energy sanctions. This marks its second attempt to transit the strait since the US blockade began. The tanker has indicated a destination of Sohar, Oman, but its location signals have been inconsistent. Another tanker, Elpis, which was also sanctioned, has reportedly docked at an Iranian port. Shipowners in the region are pausing their movements through the strait as they await clarity on the US blockade's enforcement. The situation raises concerns among Asian nations reliant on Middle Eastern energy exports, with calls for peace talks between Tehran and Washington.
Published 1 day ago • 14 Apr 2026, 01:54 PM IST