The Rich Starry, a tanker previously sanctioned by the United States for allegedly aiding Iran in evading energy sanctions, has attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, testing the effectiveness of Donald Trump's newly imposed naval blockade aimed at Iran's oil trade. The tanker made two attempts to leave the Persian Gulf within 24 hours after the blockade began. During its second attempt, it identified itself as having a Chinese owner and crew, raising questions about the US's commitment to enforcing its restrictions on vessels linked to major crude importers like China. The blockade has created uncertainty in global shipping, particularly among Asian countries that depend on energy imports from the Middle East. Following the blockade's implementation, no vessels with active tracking transponders have been observed entering the Persian Gulf, indicating that many operators are delaying movements until clearer enforcement measures are established. Meanwhile, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged for diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington to address the situation. The ownership of the Rich Starry and another tanker, Elpis, is also under scrutiny due to connections with US-sanctioned firms, complicating the operational landscape in the region.