BRUSSELS — Several Iranian oil tankers carrying crude cargoes passed through a U.S.-enforced naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman this week, according to shipping data and media reports, following a framework agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at reopening maritime trade routes in the region.
Shipping intelligence firms Kpler, Vortexa and LSEG showed that at least three tankers carrying Iranian oil transited the blockade zone in recent days after the United States and Iran announced an interim diplomatic framework intended to ease tensions and restore commercial navigation through waters linked to the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
The movements marked the first publicly reported passage of Iranian oil tankers through the blockade area since the United States imposed maritime restrictions earlier this year amid an escalation of hostilities with Iran. Details of the implementation of the agreement remain unclear.
According to Reuters, the vessels were carrying a combined cargo of nearly five million barrels of crude oil and were bound toward destinations in Asia. A fourth tanker was also reported to be moving toward the Gulf of Oman. Shipping data reviewed by Reuters indicated that the tankers were broadcasting their locations openly, a departure from practices often used to conceal Iranian oil shipments.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB and the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday that several Iranian tankers and cargo ships carrying what they described as essential goods crossed the blockade line without interference. The reports said the vessels continued their voyages after passing through the area.
“There was no interference,” Iranian media reported, citing maritime tracking information and vessel movements.
U.S. authorities did not immediately comment on the specific tanker passages reported by Iranian media. Earlier this month, U.S. Central Command said American forces had intercepted or disabled multiple vessels accused of violating the blockade, while allowing humanitarian shipments to proceed.
The reported tanker movements followed an interim memorandum of understanding announced by U.S. and Iranian officials. According to documents released by U.S. officials, the framework includes provisions for lifting the naval blockade, reopening maritime commerce and allowing Iranian oil exports to resume under agreed conditions.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran would soon be permitted to resume oil sales under the proposed arrangement, while Iranian officials confirmed plans for broader negotiations during a temporary ceasefire period.
As of Wednesday, shipping data showed additional Iranian-linked vessels approaching or moving through the Gulf of Oman. U.S. naval forces remained active in the region, while officials from both countries continued preparations for talks aimed at converting the interim framework into a broader agreement.
