South Korea was the first to send its tanker through the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz
A South Korean tanker carrying crude oil has successfully transited the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time the country has used an alternative route to transport oil from the Middle East amid heightened risks in the region.
This was reported by the JoongAng Daily, citing South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
The South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries noted that the tanker safely passed through the Red Sea after loading crude oil at the port of Yanbu in Saudi Arabia. This port is located on the Red Sea coast and is the terminus of Saudi Arabia’s East-West Oil Pipeline.
Thus, the vessel utilized an alternative oil supply route that allows it to avoid passing through the Strait of Hormuz, where there are risks of navigation blockages.
The agency emphasized that it views this case as an important step toward ensuring the stability of crude oil supplies from the Middle East.
It is also reported that the situation is under constant real-time monitoring, constant communication with the vessel is maintained, and the safety of the vessel and crew remains the top priority.
At the same time, the Red Sea remains a dangerous region for shipping due to attacks by Yemeni armed groups supported by Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s East-West Oil Pipeline, which connects fields in the Persian Gulf region to the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, allows for the transport of significant volumes of oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. In 2026, its capacity was increased to a record high—over seven million barrels per day—making it one of the key routes for oil exports amid regional instability.
As a reminder, the Pakistani-flagged tanker Shalamar became the first vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz carrying crude oil after the U.S. imposed restrictions on April 13.
Tankers and cargo ships continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite statements about a “blockade” from the U.S. Analysts have recorded dozens of passages in the first few days since the sanctions were imposed. Some of the vessels are subject to sanctions, while others had already departed from Iranian ports. The data also contradicts official statements by the U.S. military.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hagset also stated that American troops in the Middle East are ready to resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a peace deal.
As a result of the Israeli strike, the Qasimiyeh Bridge, which connected southern and northern Lebanon, was severely damaged. This has complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid and effectively cut off part of the population.
The U.S. stated that it would use force against ships attempting to circumvent the blockade of Iran.
Israel stated that it had eliminated two armed individuals in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
At least two Iranian tankers managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, likely using a detour route despite U.S. surveillance.
