The Iranian supertanker ‘HUGE’ has reportedly navigated past the United States Navy to reach the Asia-Pacific region, carrying over 1.9 million barrels of crude oil valued at approximately $220 million. This information was highlighted by TankerTrackers.com, a maritime monitoring agency, on May 3, 2026. The vessel was last observed off the coast of Sri Lanka over a week ago and is currently traversing the Lombok Strait in Indonesia, making its way towards the Riau Archipelago.

TankerTrackers identified the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) as ‘HUGE’ (9357183) and noted that it has not transmitted any data via the Automatic Identification System (AIS) since March 20, following its departure from the Strait of Malacca. Iranian state media has also claimed that numerous ships, specifically at least 52, have successfully circumvented American maritime restrictions.

US Officials Respond to Allegations

Despite reports of vessels like ‘HUGE’ breaching the US blockade, officials from Washington maintain that the restrictions are largely effective, resulting in significant losses for Tehran. They allege that Iran is currently unable to export oil, forcing the nation to store its surplus until capacity is exceeded and production must cease. This perspective underscores the ongoing maritime tensions between the US and Iran.

US Central Command confirmed on social media that the USS New Orleans (LPD-18) is actively enforcing these maritime restrictions in the Arabian Sea, highlighting that 48 vessels have been redirected over the past 20 days to ensure adherence to the blockade. However, the US has clarified that this naval blockade specifically targets Iranian ports and coastlines, rather than the Strait of Hormuz.

In conjunction with these developments, US President Donald Trump indicated on May 3 that he is examining a new proposal from Iran aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts. While expressing doubt about the possibility of a favourable agreement, he acknowledged that discussions are still taking place.

Diplomatic Initiatives and Tensions

Reports from Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars suggest that Tehran has sent a 14-point plan through a Pakistani intermediary in response to a nine-point proposal previously put forward by the United States. However, the specifics of this Iranian initiative remain undisclosed in state-run media. Historical context shows that Pakistan has previously served as a site for diplomatic dialogues between the two nations.

This latest initiative comes after President Trump dismissed an earlier Iranian proposal earlier in the week. Nonetheless, communication channels remain open, with a ceasefire now in its third week seemingly holding steady. Concurrently, the US President has presented a strategy aimed at reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil and gas trade.

The United States has issued strong warnings to shipping companies, indicating potential sanctions for any payments made to Iran that could facilitate safe passage through the Strait. This follows Iran’s actions that have targeted vessels in the area since the onset of conflict with the US and Israel on February 28. Tehran has further advocated for safe transit for selected ships, occasionally demanding fees for such services.

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