Iran has shifted approximately 20 million barrels of oil through covert offshore networks to bypass a newly implemented U.S. blockade on its ports, according to maritime intelligence firm Windward AI [1]. The blockade, which began at 10 a.m. ET on April 13, was enacted following failed peace talks and a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, with President Donald Trump insisting that the waterway must remain open. This waterway is critical, as roughly 20% of the world's oil passes through it [1].
Windward AI reported that at least 11 tankers carrying Iranian oil are positioned offshore Malaysia within a ship-to-ship transfer hub, likely awaiting counterpart vessels for offloading or onward movement. This concentration underscores Iran's continued use of offshore storage and transfer mechanisms, allowing oil flows to persist outside direct transit through the Strait of Hormuz [1]. The firm highlighted that 'dark activity'—covert operations—remains central to Iran's ongoing evasion strategies, supporting both post-transit port calls and broader distribution networks. Iranian oil flows are increasingly routed through offshore hubs, reducing reliance on direct Hormuz transit [1].
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that during the first 48 hours of the blockade, no vessels successfully breached U.S. forces. Nine oil tankers attempted to breach the blockade but complied with U.S. directives to turn around and return to Iranian ports or coastal areas. None of these vessels required boarding by U.S. forces, according to a senior U.S. defense official [1].
On April 14, the first full day of active U.S. enforcement, Windward observed a fragmented and uneven response from vessels, including continued transit, route deviation, and potential evasion. Sanctioned and falsely flagged vessels remained active, with some proceeding through the Strait while others delayed, reversed course, or adjusted routing patterns. Significant volumes of Iranian oil are accumulating offshore rather than transiting directly through Hormuz [1].
CONCLUSION
Iran is actively circumventing the U.S. port blockade by utilizing offshore transfer hubs and indirect routing, with 20 million barrels of oil currently positioned offshore Malaysia. The U.S. blockade has effectively prevented direct transit through Iranian ports, but indirect flows and evasive tactics continue, suggesting ongoing market disruption and heightened geopolitical tension.