Iran's Revolutionary Guards halted two Chinese container ships from leaving the Persian Gulf, citing punitive measures against the U.S.
Tracking data detected two Chinese container ships that made a U-turn after attempting to exit the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. Hours later, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards issued a statement indicating that they did not allow the passage of the vessels as a means to punish Donald Trump.
Chinese media announced the passage of two ultra-large container ships operated by the state-owned company COSCO Shipping as the first voyages conducted by a major carrier since the onset of the war. According to reports, the vessels named CSCL Arctic Ocean and CSCL Indian Ocean were sailing in ballast (empty) and displayed the notation 'Chinese owner and crew' on the AIS screen.
Tracking data showed that both ships reached near Larak Island, where transit fees and customs procedures were conducted. After a brief stop here, the Chinese vessels reversed their course and returned westward to the Persian Gulf. Late Friday, the AIS signals of both ships indicated that they were anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
In recent days, it was reported that about a dozen Chinese vessels, including several LNG tankers, had passed through before these two container ships and had received permission. It was noted that vessels flying the flags of China and Pakistan, as well as a Thai ship, had also transited the strait, and the Malaysian Prime Minister announced that his ships would be allowed to pass following discussions with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that safe passage was provided for vessels coming from 'friendly countries' such as China, Russia, India, and Pakistan.
However, following nearly a month of ongoing attacks, it is assessed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has increased its control over the strait within Iran's fragmented governance structure. Some reports indicated that the IRGC had formalized exit procedures and decided which ships would be allowed to pass, while other sources suggested that high fees were being demanded from vessels in exchange for safe passage.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
