Report: 52 Iranian ships breach US blockade within 72 hours

A view of the vessels passing through Strait of Hormuz following the two-week temporary ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran on the condition that the strait be reopened, seen in Oman on April 08, 2026. [Shady Alassar – Anadolu Agency]

Fifty two Iranian vessels have crossed a US-imposed blockade of Iranian waters within a 72-hour period, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported.

According to the report, which cited satellite tracking data covering the three days leading up to 10:00 pm local time on Monday, the vessels included 31 oil tankers and 21 cargo ships.

The development follows the announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 2nd March that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to maritime traffic, after the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States and Israel on 28th February.

The conflict saw exchanges of attacks between Iran and its adversaries, including strikes on Israeli territory and what Tehran described as US-linked sites across the region.

A temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was announced on 8th April, mediated by Pakistan. Talks held on 11th April in Islamabad did not produce an agreement, and on 21st April US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire would be extended at the request of Pakistani mediators until Iran presents a proposal for negotiations.

READ: Iran ties lifting of blockade to reopening Hormuz Strait as US reviews proposal

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