Hormuz Tightens as Iran's Dark Fleet Stalls and Enforcement Widens

Iran’s dark fleet operations in the Strait of Hormuz are stalling as enforcement pressure intensifies globally, with approximately 201 IRGCN small craft massing at Larak Island between May 28 and June 1, 2026 - the densest footprint ever recorded. Kharg Island’s loading terminals remained offline for 12 consecutive days with crude exports collapsing to 186,000 barrels per day in May. Simultaneously, European and U.S. forces executed parallel enforcement campaigns, including the French Navy boarding the falsely flagged tanker TAGOR carrying Russian crude, marking the tenth Russia-linked interdiction in 2026 under Article 110 of UNCLOS.