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Iran shifts 20M barrels through ‘dark’ offshore oil network bypassing US port blockade, firm says
US implements Iran port blockade in Strait of Hormuz, halting trade
The U.S. has formally implemented a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM reporting halted economic trade and costing Iran $435 million daily. President Donald Trump emphasizes China’s cooperation and upcoming talks, while Saudi Arabia fears escalation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and economic experts discuss the naval forces’ financial repercussions and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, noting record U.S. oil exports and significant economic pressure on Iran.
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Iran is moving tens of millions of barrels of oil through covert offshore networks to bypass the new U.S. blockade on its ports, maritime intelligence firm Windward AI says.
The blockade, which took effect April 13, came amid a two-week ceasefire and failed peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, and as President Donald Trump insisted the waterway must remain open. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes through it.
«Iranian oil distribution continues through indirect routing and offshore transfer networks,» Windward told Fox News Digital.
«As of April 13, at least 11 tankers carrying approximately 20 million barrels of Iranian oil are positioned offshore Malaysia within a ship-to-ship transfer hub,» the firm determined.
TRUMP DETAILS SWEEPING ‘ALL OR NOTHING’ BLOCKADE OF STRAIT OF HORMUZ AFTER FAILED IRAN TALKS
A ship is seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz during a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on April 8, 2026. (Shady Alassar/Anadolu/Getty Images)
«These vessels are likely awaiting counterpart vessels for offloading or preparing for onward movement.»
Windward also clarified that the concentration highlights Iran’s «continued use of offshore storage and transfer mechanisms.»
This allows Iranian oil flows to «persist outside direct transit through the Strait.»
«Dark activity remains a central enabler of ongoing operations, supporting both post-transit port calls and broader evasion strategies,» Windward added.
«At the same time, Iranian oil flows are increasingly routed through offshore hubs, reducing reliance on direct Hormuz transit.»
U.S. forces began implementing the blockade at 10 a.m. ET April 13 after Trump vowed to block «any and all ships from trying to enter or leave» the strait, following weeks of pressure on Tehran.
IRAN THREATENS TO HALT RED SEA TRAFFIC IN RESPONSE TO US MILITARY BLOCKADE OF PORTS
Fishing boats dot the sea as cargo ships, in the background, sail through the Arabian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates, March 27, 2026. (AP Photo)
As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the U.S. military confirmed Wednesday it stopped nine oil tankers from attempting to breach the blockade.
«During the first 48 hours of the U.S. blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, no vessels have made it past U.S. forces,» U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
«Additionally, nine vessels have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return toward an Iranian port or coastal area,» CENTCOM wrote on X.
Fox News was also told all nine vessels were oil tankers. None of the vessels ordered to turn around needed to be boarded by U.S. forces, a senior U.S. defense official said.
On the first «full day» of the blockade, April 14, however, under active U.S. enforcement, Windward noted vessel behavior indicating «a fragmented and uneven response to the blockade.»
«Initial movements show a combination of continued transit, route deviation and potential evasion,» the firm said.
MORNING GLORY: THE US-IRAN NEGOTIATIONS IN ISLAMABAD BECAME REYKJAVÍK 2.0
Oil tanker waits for its turn to get loaded by barrels of oil in the Persian Gulf south of Iran. (Farzad Frames/Getty Images)
«Sanctioned and falsely flagged vessels remain active, with some proceeding through the Strait while others delay, reverse course or adjust routing patterns.
«Iranian oil flows continue through indirect distribution networks, with significant volumes accumulating offshore rather than transiting directly through Hormuz.»
CENTCOM said the blockade would apply only to maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.
It stressed that U.S. forces would not «impede freedom of navigation» for vessels transiting the strait to and from other destinations.
The blockade on the key trade route would be enforced «impartially» against any vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, including those in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
So far, sanctioned and falsely flagged vessels continue to operate under evolving enforcement conditions.
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Rich Starry, a U.S.-sanctioned handy-size tanker signaling laden status, resumed outbound transit after previously turning around.
Windward said its routing did not follow the Larak Island corridor and instead aligned with the alternative outbound path proposed by Iran.
At the same time, Murlikishan, a U.S.-sanctioned chemical tanker, was also observed journeying inbound, Windward clarified.
energy, middle east, iran, sanctions, trade
INTERNACIONAL
Trump ‘seriously considering’ plan to make Venezuela and its $40 trillion in oil permanent part of USA
Venezuela resumes commercial ties with US
Fox News correspondent Steve Harrigan reports live from Caracas, discussing Venezuela’s economic reopening and renewed commercial ties with the U.S. This includes a surge in oil exports, reaching a seven-year high of 1.23 million barrels per day. The move follows the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro, with American Airlines resuming direct flights to Miami. Experts weigh in on the political and economic implications for both countries.
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President Donald Trump is eyeing oil-rich Venezuela as a potential 51st state as officials continue to court oil companies for investments in the South American country following the U.S. intervention that removed President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Trump said in a phone call with Fox News that he is motivated by the estimated $40 trillion value of oil in Venezuela, adding that he is popular with the country’s citizens.
«Venezuela loves Trump,» Trump said.
After U.S. military officials captured Maduro in January, whom the Justice Department indicted on narco-terrorism charges, Trump said the United States would «run» the country during its transitional period and work with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
US CAPTURE OF MADURO THROWS SPOTLIGHT ON VENEZUELA’S MASSIVE OIL RESERVES
President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2025, announcing Venezuela will turn over millions of barrels of oil to the U.S. (Al Drago/Bloomberg)
In January, Trump pledged to have the U.S. oil industry «up and and running» again in Venezuela. Major energy companies like Exxon and Conoco were expelled from the country nearly 20 years ago when former President Hugo Chavez nationalized the oil industry, leaving Chevron as the only U.S. major oil company with investments in Venezuela.
For months, cabinet officials and White House energy advisers have held meetings with top oil executives from major companies, urging them to invest in Venezuela.
With the Trump administration now managing Venezuela’s oil sector, exports in April reached more than 1 million barrels per day, the highest level since 2018.
«As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela,» a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. «Only President Trump can be credited for the revitalization of this newfound partnership – and the best is yet to come!»
The spokesperson did not provide details about what Trump’s plan to make Venezuela a part of the United States would look like.
Trump’s interest in Venezuela’s oil has been known since Maduro’s ousting. He has argued that securing Venezuela’s oil supplies would help stabilize the country’s economy, a step he deems crucial to establishing a stable democracy.
TRUMP’S VENEZUELA STRIKE SPARKS CONSTITUTIONAL CLASH AS MADURO IS HAULED INTO US
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez waves after bidding farewell to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright following their meeting at Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Feb. 11, 2026. (Ariana Cubillos/AP)
But in March Trump posted on Truth Social suggesting that Venezuela would instead become a state.
«Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?» Trump posted.
For Trump to annex Venezuela and make it a state, it would require congressional approval and consent from Venezuela, which Rodriguez said would never happen.
Chevron representative Mariano Vela signs an agreement to expand oil operations in Venezuela as acting President Delcy Rodriguez observes at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on April 13, 2026. (Ariana Cubillos/AP)
«That would never have been considered, because if there is one thing we Venezuelan men and women have, it is that we love our independence process, we love our heroes and heroines of independence,» Rodriguez told reporters on Monday when asked about Trump’s eyes on Venezuela.
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Venezuela is just the latest country Trump has threatened to annex with the list including Greenland, Canada, Cuba, and Panama.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and the State Department for further comment.
donald trump, venezuelan political crisis, energy, white house, nicolas maduro
INTERNACIONAL
Starmer on the brink: UK PM fights for survival as party takes beating in local elections
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U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was battling to save his position Monday, refusing to step aside despite mounting pressure from within his own party and a wave of resignations among close aides.
Resignation calls intensified after more than 70 Labor MPs publicly urged the Labor leader to quit, while several parliamentary aides stepped down in protest, according to reports.
The growing rebellion comes at a critical moment for Starmer, whose authority has been shaken by political and economic setbacks.
As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the immediate trigger was the crushing defeats in local election results on May 8, which saw Labor lose hundreds of council seats across England, surrender long-held ground in Wales and fall behind rivals in Scotland.
FARAGE’S REFORM UK BEATS OUT ESTABLISHMENT PARTIES IN ‘EARTHQUAKE’ ELECTIONS
Sir Keir Starmer is battling to save his position and refusing to step aside despite dozens of Labor MPs demanding he resigns. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)
A recent YouGov poll also found that around half of Britons believe Starmer should step down.
At the same time, rising U.K. borrowing costs have added to concerns about the government’s economic and public service policies and not easing living costs.
Starmer was also hurt by his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a friend of Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to Washington, the Associated Press reported.
In Scotland, Labor’s difficulties were laid bare as John Swinney secured a decisive victory, dealing a further blow to Starmer’s authority.
LONDON POLICE LAUNCH CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO FORMER UK AMBASSADOR TO US WITH ALLEGED EPSTEIN TIES
President Donald Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club in Scotland on July 28, 2025. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The result drew attention from President Donald Trump, who publicly congratulated Swinney and appeared to take a swipe at Starmer.
Trump and Starmer’s relationship had become strained, with the president saying, «This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,» blasting the U.K. leader’s reluctance to let U.S. warplanes use its bases after the start of the war against Iran.
Meanwhile, Starmer struck a defiant tone in what has been termed a «reset» speech on Monday, insisting he would not resign.
«I take responsibility for not walking away, not plunging our country into chaos, as the Tories did,» he said.
Sam Carlin, one of the MPs calling for change, said Starmer was «not the right person» to revive the struggling party.
«As a result, I join Labor colleagues from across the United Kingdom in urging the prime minister to step down for the sake of our movement and the people we serve,» he said.
UK PRIME MINISTER LAYS OUT UKRAINE PEACE DEAL FRAMEWORK AS ZELENSKYY RESPONDS TO RESIGNATION CALLS
Starmer struck a defiant tone in what has been termed a «reset» speech where he insisted he would not resign. (Carl Court/Getty Images)
«We have made so much progress, but if we remain on our current course, it will not last.»
Former minister Catherine West led efforts to formalize the challenge, calling for a timetable to elect a new leader as early as September.
Three figures are seen as frontrunners to succeed Starmer.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham would need to return to Parliament to mount a bid, while Angela Rayner continues to contend with the fallout from past tax issues.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is viewed as a more immediate contender.
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Under Labor rules, a leadership contest can be triggered if sufficient backing coalesces behind a challenger, typically through nominations from MPs and affiliated groups.
If Starmer were to resign, the party would move into a formal contest period, culminating in a vote among members.
leadership, appointments, uk politics, polls, united kingdom
INTERNACIONAL
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