Despite the US naval blockade established in April 2026 to restrict Iranian oil exports, two Iranian tankers, Hero II and Hedy, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz by disabling their tracking systems. This tactic, known as 'going dark', is part of a broader strategy employed by Iran's 'shadow fleet' to evade detection and sanctions. Since the blockade's implementation, around 34 Iran-linked tankers have reportedly passed through the strait, moving approximately 9 million barrels of oil. The blockade, managed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), applies primarily to vessels linked to Iranian ports, yet enforcement has proven inconsistent. The Pentagon's diverse naval presence, including over 15 warships and 10,000 personnel, aims to monitor and intercept vessels suspected of carrying Iranian cargo. However, the successful passage of these tankers indicates significant gaps in the blockade's effectiveness. Furthermore, US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran is privately seeking to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate economic losses, despite public posturing to the contrary. This situation underscores the complexities of maritime security in the region and the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.