Iran Shipping Update – June 16, 2026

Since the outbreak of the Iran War on February 28, Iran’s “Ghost Fleet” has continued operating across key maritime routes and continued to load oil. However, since the U.S. blockade initiated on April 13, oil exports have dropped dramatically. UANI observed zero crude shipments passing the blockade during the month of May.

To read UANI’s May 2026 Tanker Tracker, click here.

To read UANI’s statement on FAQs and keys facts about the U.S. blockade, click here. 

On June 14, President Trump announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed on Friday, June 19, and that the Strait of Hormuz would be then opened and the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports would be lifted. Negotiations, including on issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, will reportedly take place over the 60 days following the official signing ceremony.

Since the announcement of the pending MoU, Iranian-linked tankers and cargo ships have become noticeably more active globally. Many vessels that had previously been stationary, loitering, or operating with limited AIS transmissions have resumed more routine navigation patterns and, notably, are often transmitting AIS openly. Notably, two Iranian-flagged tankers laden with Iranian crude and previously anchored at Chabahar Port departed the Gulf of Oman on June 16, passing the U.S. blockade.

Status of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint in the Iran War. Since the start of the conflict, 50 confirmed maritime incidents involving commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure have been reported across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman.

The enduring risk has created severe congestion and instability across the Persian Gulf’s shipping lanes. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, about 138 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz daily. Since March 1, 2026, marine traffic data shows growing clusters of loitering vessels on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz, with many refraining from transiting due to safety concerns.

Cargo Ship and Tanker transits of the Strait of Hormuz (Data credit: JMIC)

In response to vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, the International Maritime Organization Secretary General commented on June 9: “I recall in the strongest possible terms that the ship’s master, and the company, bear the ultimate responsibility for voyage planning.... No commercial or operational consideration can justify exposing seafarers to such levels of danger. The protection of their lives must remain the overriding priority at all times.”

On June 15, the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) published JMIC Advisory Note: 007-26, stated that the US blockade remains in effect until the MoU is signed on Friday, June 19.

JMIC update on the US Blockade of Iran (Credit: JMIC)

On June 16, the U.S. 5th Fleet’s Naval Coordination and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) detachment published a FAQ for the “Strait of Hormuz Facilitated Transits”.  The four-page document contained guidance for the shipping industry for use of the southern route through the strait. 

JMIC update on the US Blockade of Iran (Credit: US 5th Fleet NCAGS)

IRGC efforts to restrict Freedom of Navigation

The IRGC’s announced so-called “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” (PGSA) published a proposed scheme for controlling and restricting freedom of navigation through the international strait on May 21. Such measures are in direct contradiction to UNCLOS Article 44, “Duties of States bordering straits,” which states:

“States bordering straits shall not hamper transit passage and shall give appropriate publicity to any danger to navigation or overflight within or over the strait of which they have knowledge. There shall be no suspension of transit passage.”

Any attempt to impose unilateral restrictions on transit passage through an international strait undermines the internationally recognized navigational rights guaranteed under UNCLOS.

IRGC PGSA tweet on May 21 (Credit: X)

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) took action and designated Iran’s so-called Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) on May 27.

Iranian Oil-Laden Tankers Inside the U.S. Blockade

UANI has identified at least 73 tankers laden with Iranian oil — primarily crude, but also other petroleum products and LPG — currently operating inside the U.S. blockade line which can be drawn from the Iranian-Pakistan border to the most eastern point of Oman. 

Map of Iranian oil laden tankers inside the U.S. blockade on June 16

Iran-linked Vessels at Kharg Island, Iran

Satellite imagery from June 15 indicates an accumulation of tankers at the Kharg Island anchorage, idle offshore. 26 tankers were spotted in the anchorage area, at least 17 of which are laden with Iranian hydrocarbons, including one unidentified small Handymax tanker at Kharg’s petrochemical jetty. There also appears to be an oil slick coming from one of the laden tankers in the anchorage. Laden tankers are highlighted in red on the map below. 

Tankers near Kharg Island, Iran on June 15 (Credit: ESA Copernicus)

Number of Iranian Loadings

Since the outbreak of the conflict, UANI has tracked at least 96 Iranian oil loadings, 49 of which originated from Kharg Island, Iran. These shipments represent approximately 91 million barrels of Iranian oil, generating an estimated revenue of over $7 billion for the IRGC, which continues to fund Iran’s active missile and drone programs central to the conflict. This figure is notably higher than usual given the sharp increase in oil prices, including Iranian crude.

Iran-linked Vessels at Chabahar Port, Iran

Iran-linked vessels are loitering and anchoring outside of the Persian Gulf at Chabahar Port, Iran. On June 15, 11 tankers, including 8 Iran-flagged tankers and three dark fleet vessels, all laden with Iranian oil indicated by the red squares on the image below, as well as 14 cargo vessels, the majority of which are Iran-flagged, were observed in satellite imagery near Chabahar Port. Three Iran-flagged laden tankers previously anchored near Chabahar Port have left the anchorage between June 10 and 15, possibly in an attempt to transit out of the Gulf of Oman.

Iranian oil laden tankers at Chabahar Port, Iran on June 15 (Credit: ESA Copernicus)

Two of the three Iran-flagged laden tankers that departed Chabahar, DIONA (IMO 9569695) and HERO II (IMO 9362073), have reappeared on AIS transiting out of the Gulf of Oman and passing the U.S. blockade.

Iranian oil laden tanker transiting out of the Gulf of Oman on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

Iran-linked Tankers at Jask Port, Iran

There is a growing cluster of tankers just east of Jask, Iran. On June 15, seven tankers were observed in the anchorage, five of them laden with Iranian crude. Two laden Iran flagged tankers previously anchored near Jask were observed transiting the Gulf of Oman after departing the anchorage. The red squares indicate laden tankers. Movements of Iran-flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman have begun, perhaps in anticipation of a prospective lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

Iran linked tankers anchored near Jask, Iran on June 15 (ESA: Copernicus)

Iran-linked Vessels near Sri Lanka

Iran-linked tankers have been anchoring about 20 km offshore from Galle, Sri Lanka, likely for logistical support from local service providers but also in response to pressure from the U.S. blockade. On June 13, three Iran-flagged tankers, plus one ghost fleet tanker, all unladen, were anchored near Galle. 

Iran-linked tankers near Galle, Sri Lanka on June 13 (Credit: ESA Copernicus)

Iran-flagged Tankers Globally

UANI has also monitored Iran-flagged tankers operating beyond the Persian Gulf. Since the conflict began, at least 32 Iran-flagged tankers have reached Southeast Asian waters bound for the Eastern Outer Port Limits (EOPL) anchorage off Johor, Malaysia. 

Meanwhile, at least 41 Iran-flagged tankers, reporting empty, have begun attempts to return to Iran and from the Malaysian EOPL anchorage and Southeast Asian sea lanes, since the start of the conflict. On June 15, Iran-flagged DAN (IMO 9357729) departed the EOPL and transited the Singapore and Malacca Straits, reporting empty on AIS. This is the first Iran-flagged tanker to depart the EOPL for over two weeks. On June 16, SINOPA (IMO 9172038) appeared on AIS for the first time since early Aprill, departing the EOPL and transiting the Singapore and Malacca Straits. 

DAN and SINOPA could be sailing to join a cluster of empty tankers either anchored near Penang, Malaysia, or Galle, Sri Lanka, that are likely waiting for the U.S. blockade to be lifted so they can return to the Persian Gulf to load. Alternatively, they may be headed straight back to the Persian Gulf.

Iran flagged tankers transit Southeast Asian sea lanes on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

Five unladen Iranian-flagged tankers were observed in international waters in the Malacca Strait west of Penang, Malaysia, on June 14. DERYA (IMO 9569700), SALINA (IMO 9357377), SERENA (IMO 9569645), HUMANITY (IMO 9180281), and DUNE (IMO 9569712) continue to anchor approximately 40km off Penang, Malaysia. 

Iran-flagged tankers near Penang on June 14 (Credit: ESA Copernicus)

Iran-Oil Laden Tankers off the Malaysian Coast

From February 28, the start of the conflict, to today, UANI has recorded 69 STS transfers of Iranian crude oil and 5 STS transfers of LPG in the EOPL anchorage, a ghost fleet hotspot approximately 70 km off Malaysia’s coast. All of these transshipments have been spotted in satellite imagery.

On June 13, 46 tankers listed on UANI's Ghost Armada were anchored or loitering near the EOPL area with their AIS signals active, demonstrating that ghost fleet tankers continue to operate with impunity across Southeast Asia's sea lanes. 

Iran-Flagged Cargo Ships Globally

Despite ongoing pressure of US OFAC sanctions, approximately 40 Iranian flagged vessels continue to operate openly across sea lanes, ports, and anchorages throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Enhanced pressure from the enforcement of the US blockade on Iran and disrupted access to Iranian ports appears to be affecting vessel schedules and operations on a large scale which has contributed to increased instances of ships pausing and waiting in clusters at anchorages across the region. But since the announcement of the pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), several ships have begun sailing back to Iran.

Iran-flagged vessels across the Indo-Pacific on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The Iran-flagged tanker STREAM (IMO 9569633) continued to sail west toward Iranian waters, after departing the anchorage outside Karahi, Pakistan on June 15. 

Meanwhile eight other Iranian flagged vessels remained anchored offshore of Karachi, Pakistan. The cargo ships ARIES (IMO 9369722), MAHNAM (IMO 9213387), DELRUBA (IMO 9305207) and WARTA (IMO 9465849) remained anchored about 60km offshore in the Pakistani Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The tankers SOBAR (IMO 9221970) and SARAK (IMO 9226968) remain anchored nearby the cargo ships, while HERBY (IMO 9362059) had repositioned yesterday.  HERBY is likely to be the next tanker to depart back to Iran. The container ship TOUSKA (IMO 9328900) remained anchored just 16 km outside Karachi port, inside Pakistani territorial waters. All these Iran-flagged vessels are OFAC sanctioned.

Iran-flagged ships near Karachi, Pakistan on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The Iranian container ship ENZO 2 (IMO 9236652) remained anchored in the Gulf of Kutch, outside Kandla port. 

The Iran-flagged container ship ARTENOS (IMO 9283021) departed the Gulf of Kutch and is reporting its destination to be Chabahar, Iran, with an estimated arrival of June 18. Meanwhile, the container ship VELON 1 (IMO 9122473) continued to sail north in the Arabian Sea on its way to its destination, Kandla, India, with an estimated arrival of June 17.

Iran-flagged container ships in Indian waters on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The container ship NYRA 2 (IMO 9241487) continued sailing north in the Laccadive Sea, toward its destination, Kandla, India, with an estimated arrival of June 19.

The Iran-flagged cargo ship AZARGOUN (IMO 9283019) continued sailing in a circuitous, zig-zag pattern, below the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. The cargo ship’s destination is listed as Colombo, now with an estimated arrival of June 17.

The Iran-flagged container ship ARTABAZ (IMO 9283007) continued to anchor near Uligan Island in the northern most atoll of the Maldives.

Meanwhile, the Iran-flagged general cargo ship PARNIA (IMO 9167265) continued to anchor about 25 km offshore of Galle, in the vicinity of other Iranian-flagged tankers DOWNY (IMO 9218480), HALTI (IMO 9212890), HAWK (IMO 9362061), HELM (IMO 9357391) and several other Ghost Armada tankers. Some of these tankers are not broadcasting their location on AIS and therefore not visible on the map below. All these ships are OFAC sanctioned.

Iran-flagged container ships near southern India, Maldives and Sri Lanka on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)
 

The Iran-flagged general cargo ship AREZOO (IMO 9165786) remained anchored in the vicinity of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

The Iran-flagged bulk cargo ship KIAZAND (IMO 9465758) departed the vicinity of Phuket and sailed west to the Six Degree Channel, approaching the Indian Ocean.  no destination is listed on its AIS signal.

The Iranian-flagged tanker DAN (IMO 9357729) and the cargo ship MIAMI PRIDE (IMO 9274941), continued to sail north in the Malacca Strait. Their destinations are not specified on AIS, but they are likely heading back to Iran. The Iranian-flagged bulk cargo ship ROSHAK (IMO 9405966) remained anchored in Thai territorial waters near Phuket.

Iran-flagged cargo ships near Phuket on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The Iran-flagged general cargo ship ALOR 2 (IMO 9228538) departed Port Klang container terminal on June 15 and sailed north in the Malacca Strait. RADIN (IMO 9820257) also got underway and departed the anchorage outside Port Klang and followed ALOR 2 north in the Malacca Strait. ALOR 2 listed its destination as Kandala, India, with an estimated arrival of June 24. RADIN is listing its destination as Bandar Abbas, Iran, with an estimated arrival of June 26.  

Iran-flagged cargo ships in Malacca Strait on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

Two more Iran-flagged, OFAC sanctioned vessels departed the Malaysian EOPL on June 16.  The Iran flagged tanker SINOPA transited the Singapore Strait westbound and entered the Malacca Strait, while the container ship OURA (IMO 9387815) also departed the EOPL, transited the Singapore Strait westbound and entered the Malacca Strait. Neither vessel is listing a destination but are both likely heading back to Iran.

Iran-flagged ships in the Malacca Strait on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

Three other Iran-flagged cargo ships remained in the Malaysian EOPL anchorage area, openly broadcasting on AIS. The cluster of vessels include bulk cargo ships ARVIN (IMO 9193202), ANDIA (IMO 9193197) and BASKAR (IMO 9405942). All these vessels are OFAC sanctioned.  Additionally, the Iran-flagged tanker SEA CLIFF (IMO 9569657), last spotted in satellite imagery in the EOPL on June 5, is still possibly anchored and awaiting its own departure.

Iran-flagged cargo ships in the Malaysian EOPL on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The Iran-flagged container ship NORA (IMO 9259408), continued to sail the South China Sea northbound. NORA stopped for 12 hours approximately 200km west of Scarborough Reef for unknown reasons. NORA previously conducted cargo operations in the Libyan port of Misrata on May 23 to 24, and its next destination is listed as CJK anchorage near Shanghai, with an estimated arrival of June 21.

Iran-flagged cargo ship in the South China Sea, on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The three Iran-flagged container ships SHABDIS (IMO 9349588), SHABGOUN (IMO 9346524) and BEHNAVAZ (IMO 9346548) remained anchored in the vicinity of Zhuhai, China. Meanwhile, the Iranian flagged tanker TOUR 2 (IMO 9364112), also known as KARIZ, which appeared to depart the anchorage yesterday, and went dark on AIS, is sailing the South China Sea southbound and will likely arrive at the Singapore Strait on June 21-22.

The Iran-flagged container ship BEHTA (IMO 9349590) departed Shanghai and is transiting the Taiwan Strait, with a destination listed as Singapore and an estimated arrival of June 21.

Iran-flagged ship near Shanghai and Zhoushan on June 16 (Credit: Marine Traffic)

The bulk cargo ship BAHJAT (IMO 9405954) pulled into the Longshan Shipyard at Zhoushan, near Ningbo, China.

The Iran-flagged bulk cargo ship BATIS (IMO 9465760) remained anchored 80km off Yangcheng in the Yellow Sea.