Strait of hormuz: A Chinese crude oil tanker identified as Yuan Hua Hu was observed navigating the Strait of Hormuz, as per vessel-tracking data. The tanker was noted passing Iran's Larak Island before proceeding on its journey.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Yuan Hua Hu is owned by a Chinese entity and manned by a Chinese crew. This movement coincides with a visit by US President Donald Trump to China, scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

Tensions in the Middle East have heightened following US and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, which led to retaliatory measures from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf. This conflict resulted in the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Although a ceasefire was brokered on April 8 through Pakistani efforts, it did not yield a permanent resolution. President Trump extended the truce without a deadline, allowing diplomatic efforts to continue.

Since April 13, the United States has imposed a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian maritime activities in the region. On Tuesday, Trump announced a temporary halt to "Project Freedom," an initiative to ensure commercial shipping can navigate the Strait of Hormuz unimpeded, while asserting that the blockade targeting Iran will persist "in full force and effect."