Iran has resumed crude oil exports for the first time in two months, with several tankers moving past a U.S. blockade near the Strait of Hormuz ahead of the expected signing of a new agreement between Tehran and Washington.
The development suggests Iran is moving quickly to take advantage of a tentative deal reached with the United States, which is expected to be formally signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday.
Tanker-tracking firms say at least three Iranian oil tankers have exited the Strait of Hormuz this week, marking a notable shift in regional crude flows after months of restricted movement.
Data from TankerTrackers.com, supported by satellite imagery and AIS signals, shows two Very Large Crude Carriers operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company successfully crossed the blockade perimeter. The vessels, Diona and Hero 2, are carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of crude oil.
The tracking firm said: “These are Iran’s first crude oil exports in two months.”
A third tanker, Stream, is also approaching the area after weeks waiting in Pakistan’s exclusive economic zone, while Kpler reported another Iran-linked vessel carrying about one million barrels has already moved beyond the blockade line.
Analysts say the activity points to a rapid return of Iranian oil to circulation. Maritime intelligence expert Michelle Wiese Bockmann noted that Iran is “wasting no time getting its tankers back into circulation,” adding that another supertanker, Dan, has left waters near Indonesia’s Riau Archipelago and is heading back to Iran for loading.
The increased tanker movement comes as the proposed agreement is expected to allow Iran to resume oil and fuel exports immediately upon signing, alongside 60-day negotiations on broader terms. Reports suggest the deal could formally end hostilities between the United States and Iran.
Market analysts say the potential return of Iranian barrels could ease global supply pressures, especially given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global crude shipments pass. However, they caution that markets will remain sensitive until the agreement is fully signed and implemented.