World
Iran uses ghost fleet to break US blockade of Strait of Hormuz
Despite a comprehensive US naval blockade, Iranian oil tankers continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz using false flags, disabling signals, and shell companies. An Al Jazeera investigation tracked 202 voyages by 185 vessels through the strategic waterway from March 1 to April 15, with 77 voyages (38.5%) directly or indirectly linked to Iran. The ghost fleet operates outside traditional maritime rules, employing fake registrations from landlocked countries and shell companies based in Iran, China, Greece, and the UAE.