LONDON — Three Saudi-flagged supertankers carrying about 6 million barrels of crude sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran to end their war, ship tracking data showed.
The tankers were among the first commercial vessels to transit the strategic waterway since Iran’s blockade disrupted global energy supplies during months of conflict, according to maritime tracking services and Reuters reporting.
The memorandum of understanding, signed on Wednesday, commits both sides to an immediate ceasefire and includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, U.S. officials and reports said. Trump signed the document during a G7-related event in France, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also endorsed it, according to multiple accounts.
Iran had effectively closed the narrow chokepoint, through which about one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass, in response to U.S. and Israeli military actions that began in late February. The U.S. imposed a naval blockade, leading to a sharp drop in shipping traffic.
Details of the full agreement, including timelines for demining and lifting sanctions on Iranian oil sales, were released in the days leading up to the signing. Pakistan, a key mediator, stated that the deal implies Tehran will promptly facilitate safe passage and that the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports will cease.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed aspects of the framework aimed at ending hostilities across fronts, including Lebanon. Iranian media reported vessels, including oil tankers, beginning to move following the agreement.
Ship tracking data indicated additional vessels positioning to cross. Analysts from firms such as Kpler noted that traffic could gradually rise toward pre-war levels, though full recovery depends on mine clearance and de-risking measures.
“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump posted following the signing, according to reports.
Iranian authorities have committed to using best efforts for safe, toll-free passage for an initial 60-day period as part of the interim deal, which also sets a timeline for further negotiations on a comprehensive accord addressing Iran’s nuclear program.
Oil prices fell on news of resumed shipping, though market participants remain cautious amid ongoing regional tensions. Israeli officials have expressed concerns over aspects of the deal, particularly related to Lebanon, according to Reuters.
As of Thursday, maritime security notices downgraded the threat level in the area, but experts stressed the need for urgent demining and verification of safe passage. Details on the exact number of additional crossings and long-term compliance remain unclear.
The development marks an initial step toward restoring energy flows disrupted by the conflict.
