TEHRAN/WASHINGTON — The Iranian tanker “Silly City” has successfully reached a southern Iranian port, reportedly slipping past a US naval blockade despite multiple warnings from a US Navy task force.
The Iranian military confirmed the vessel’s arrival on Tuesday, stating it entered territorial waters with full operational support from the Iranian Navy after transiting the Arabian Sea. The development comes at a moment of extreme regional tension as a fragile two-week ceasefire is set to expire.
Trump Issues “Lots of Bombs” Warning
US President Donald Trump affirmed on Monday that the naval blockade will remain in effect. Speaking to PBS News, the President issued a blunt warning regarding the looming expiration of the ceasefire on Wednesday evening.
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Ceasefire Status: Trump stated the two-week pause in hostilities will not be extended.
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The “Bomb” Threat: When asked about the consequences of the ceasefire lapsing without a breakthrough, Trump remarked, “Then lots of bombs start going off.”
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The Goal: On Truth Social, Trump insisted the blockade is “absolutely destroying” Iran and will continue until a deal is reached regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Iranian Defiance and “Shadow Vessels”
Despite the US-led effort to choke off maritime traffic, reports suggest the blockade is being tested:
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Shadow Fleet: Intelligence site Lloyd’s List reported that over 20 Iranian “shadow vessels” have successfully transited past the blockade.
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CENTCOM Data: US Central Command stated that forces have intercepted and turned around 25 commercial vessels since the blockade began.
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Negotiation Stance: Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, rejected talks “under the shadow of threats,” stating that Iran has prepared “new cards on the battlefield” should the conflict escalate.
“We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats,” said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
With the Strait of Hormuz currently at a virtual standstill—a waterway that usually sees 120 transits daily—the global energy market remains on edge as the Wednesday deadline approaches.
