Three sanctioned Iranian tankers have exited a U.S. Navy blockade, signaling a potential resumption of Tehran’s oil exports ahead of a Friday deal.
Three Iranian tankers carrying 4.8 million barrels of crude oil have passed through a U.S. Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in two months. The vessels, including two supertankers with 3.8 million barrels, departed as shipowners prepare for a U.S.-Iran agreement expected to lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales.
The last outbound shipment under the blockade occurred two months ago. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, had seen reduced Iranian exports due to U.S. restrictions. Analysts suggest the move indicates broader preparations among tankers to resume trading.
A U.S.-Iran memorandum signed Monday paves the way for sanctions relief, allowing Tehran to restart oil sales in exchange for nuclear curbs. The formal deal is set to be signed Friday in Geneva, with immediate export permissions expected.