Unlock full audio Audio Three Ships Turned Back at Hormuz — The Blockade Outlasted the Commander Who Built It Audio Edition 10 10 1× 0:00 --:--.
The IRGC stated it had turned back "three container ships of different nationalities" (Sepah News via AFP/Euronews, 27 Mar).
The third was the Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier Lotus Rising, also reported to be Chinese-owned (The Week, 27 Mar; Argus Media, 27 Mar).
The COSCO pair attempted to transit at 0350 GMT near Larak Island, approximately 20 miles from Bandar Abbas, before reversing course.
Kpler assessed, based on AIS and IRGC patrol activity, that safe passage could not be guaranteed (Kpler via Al-Monitor, 27 Mar).
On 26 March, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced safe passage for five nations including China (Deccan Herald, 26 Mar).
We assess the blockade has survived its architect — though it may have hardened beyond what he built. »