- A Chinese-owned oil and chemicals tanker, the Rich Starry, sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, appearing to defy a US blockade.
- The Rich Starry, owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd, was the first vessel to pass through the chokepoint since the blockade commenced on Monday afternoon.
- Both the tanker and its owner had previously been sanctioned by the US for their dealings with Iran.
- The US had announced its military would block Iranian vessels and any ships that paid tolls to Iran, threatening to eliminate Iranian 'fast-attack' naval ships.
- NATO allies, including Britain and France, stated they would not join the blockade, instead advocating for the reopening of the waterway.
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