A Chinese oil tanker has reportedly passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite increased US pressure on vessels linked to Iran, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing sanctions in the region.
The tanker Rich Starry, previously known as Full Star, is said to have completed its transit during the night and exited the strait early Tuesday without interference. The vessel is listed under US sanctions for alleged involvement in transporting Iranian oil.
Details remain unclear, and it has not been independently verified whether US forces monitored or chose not to act during the passage.
The development comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point peace plan for the Middle East, focusing on sovereignty, international law, and the protection of energy routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The overlap between the tanker’s movement and China’s diplomatic push reflects growing geopolitical competition in a region critical to global energy supplies.