Iranian tankers have managed to bypass the US naval blockade by using maritime routes around Malaysia, continuing to transfer their cargo to China. According to a recently published report, at least 9 tankers carrying oil or liquefied gas from Iran have been able to pass through US restrictions since the re-establishment of this blockade in July 2026.
Tanker "SOGL" and Cargo Transfers
The report recently released images of a tanker named "SOGL," which set sail from the port of Assaluyeh in early September 2026 with a cargo of about 500,000 barrels of liquefied gas, and after passing through the US naval blockade, reached Malaysian waters. This tanker refueled in waters near Malaysia and received support services. Ultimately, it transferred its cargo to the port of "Shenzhou" in China.
Read more: New Cargo Registration of Tankers on the Sanctioned Route
Strategies to Bypass Sanctions
Analysts believe that some small Iranian tankers turn off their tracking systems and operate under false flags to avoid detection. Additionally, in some cases, they transfer their cargo at sea to other ships. These approaches allow them to easily bypass naval blockades.
Analysts have also noted that although the US blockade has significantly limited Iran's crude oil exports, some small tankers still manage to pass through it. Currently, China is considered the primary destination for all of Iran's oil and liquefied gas exports, and maritime routes through Malaysia continue to serve as an important corridor in this trade.
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