At least three tankers carrying Iranian oil have passed through the US naval blockade following a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran. The development signals a gradual return of Iranian crude exports to global markets. Energy traders, oil producers, and major importers are closely monitoring the renewed supply flow.
Shipping data from Kpler, Vortexa, and LSEG showed that the Very Large Crude Carriers Hero II and Diona, each carrying two million barrels of oil, successfully sailed through the Gulf of Oman. Meanwhile, the Suezmax tanker Sonia I, carrying one million barrels, also cleared the blockade and is heading toward Singapore. A fourth vessel, the Iranian-linked Stream, is reportedly moving toward the area while empty.
The tanker movements follow a memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. A senior US official said the agreement allows Iran to immediately resume selling oil and fuel. The move is expected to restore exports that were severely disrupted during recent regional tensions.
Earlier restrictions sharply reduced Iranian crude exports. According to Kpler data, shipments fell to 260,000 barrels per day in May, the lowest level in six years. The figure represented less than one-fifth of Iran’s 2025 average export volume of 1.67 million barrels per day after the US naval blockade limited maritime traffic.
As additional Iranian oil enters international markets, expectations of increased supply have weighed on energy prices. Global oil prices, which surged after the conflict began on February 28, have now dropped to their lowest levels in three months. However, analysts note that weaker demand from China could limit the overall impact of the export recovery.