The US has fired at and disabled two Iranian tankers for violating the blockade after disabling another Iran-flagged tanker earlier this week. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that Iran seized a US-sanctioned panamax tanker laden with Iranian oil

‘We protect our waters,’ says Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson after multiple boardings in recent months

With the Middle East crisis tightening the sanctions noose on Iran’s oil buyers, China fires back by activating its own blocking rules — forcing a compliance rethink, although enforcement beyond its borders remains doubtful

The Hormuz crisis has dampened Iranian crude exports globally as total exports approach the lowest point seen in the past year. Shandong, home to Chinese teapot refineries, continues to dominate as Iran’s top export destination by province

A 26-year-old VLCC previously engaged in Venezuela operations has become the latest shadow fleet tanker to revert to mainstream trades as the Hormuz crisis fuels demand for ‘risk tolerant’ tankers

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz more than halved last week after Iran reinstated restrictions and tensions escalated into vessel attacks and seizures, leaving only a trickle of non‑Iranian ships willing to transit

The US sanction of Hengli has deepened shipping’s compliance dilemma, as complicated geopolitical tensions continue to fracture global trade

A ban on maritime services had been confirmed by the European Commission, but was not endorsed by all member states

A number of Iran-linked shadow fleet tankers are diverting or pausing voyages, but at least 10 traceable via their Automatic Identification System are seen ballasting towards the Middle East

Shipping’s compliance landscape is fracturing under geopolitical pressure, with waivers, blockades and seizures creating a minefield where even well-intentioned decisions risk regulatory scrutiny