The first attempts by QatarEnergy tankers carrying liquefied natural gas to cross the Strait of Hormuz appear to have been aborted, according to marine tracking data.
The two tankers, Al Daayen and Rasheeda, seem to have changed course between 7.30am and 8am UK time.
Strikes in and around the Gulf, including on ships, have brought traffic through the critical waterway to a near standstill with only vessels approved by Iranian authorities permitted to transit the strait.
Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk group, said that the aborted attempt of the QatarEnergy tankers was “not the first time laden vessels have been denied passage”.
It could indicate the breakdown in communications within Iran as crucial infrastructure was targeted by Israel and the US, he said.