US-sanctioned oil tanker Binary Star anchors at Iraq's Umm Qasr port

BASRA, Iraq — A US-sanctioned oil tanker accused of carrying Iranian oil has anchored at Iraq's Umm Qasr port on the northern Gulf, according to maritime data firm Kepler. The vessel, identified as the Binary Star and sailing under the flag of Nicaragua, appears stationary within the port area in tracking data, after earlier passing through waters off the Gulf of Oman. The US administration imposed sanctions on the tanker in 2025, alleging that it operated as part of a so-called shadow fleet used by Iran to smuggle oil. Tracking data shows the vessel altered its course toward the Gulf of Basra and Iraqi territorial waters after being added to the sanctions list. The tanker's arrival has renewed scrutiny over the use of Iraqi ports by sanctioned vessels, though Iraqi authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter. Maritime records indicate the Binary Star had previously been spotted at ports in the Mediterranean and Africa. Kepler, which tracks global shipping movements, said the vessel is flagged in Nicaragua. No further details on the cargo, operator or next steps were immediately available.