Middle East War: Iranian Oil Tankers Reportedly Breach U.S. Blockade Zone

Iranian oil tankers have reportedly breached a U.S. naval blockade that had been in place around Iranian ports for approximately two months, according to maritime tracking site TankerTrackers. This action comes just before a significant agreement is expected to be finalized between Tehran and Washington.

TankerTrackers reported that at least two National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) supertankers, the Diona and Hero2, transited the U.S. Navy's blockade perimeter, carrying a combined total of 3.8 million barrels of crude oil. The site noted this marks Iran's first crude oil exports in two months, based on analysis of ship transponder signals and satellite imagery.

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At least two supertankers of the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), named Diona and Hero2, have crossed the perimeter of the U.S. Navy blockade carrying a total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil between them.

The Iranian government announced Tuesday that the U.S. blockade of its ports had been lifted, coinciding with the impending agreement. The U.S. and Iran are slated to sign a memorandum of understanding to end their conflict on Friday in Switzerland. A key initial step in this process is the highly anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

This strategic maritime passage normally handles one-fifth of the world's oil supply. It had been blocked by Tehran following Israeli-American strikes against Iran in late February. Following recent declines, the global benchmark Brent crude oil price fell below $80 per barrel on Tuesday for the first time since early March.

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These are Iran's first crude oil exports in two months.