Iranian supertankers have successfully broken the nearly two-month US naval blockade, crossing the restricted zone with millions of barrels of crude oil, according to maritime tracking data.
Tracking website TankerTrackers reported on Wednesday that at least two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) the Diona and Hero 2 transited the area of the US Navy blockade, carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude.
In a subsequent update, the website added that a third NITC vessel, a Suezmax-class tanker carrying one million barrels, had crossed the Suez Canal. These shipments mark the first Iranian crude exports in two months.
The breakthrough follows yesterday’s announcement by Iranian media, as quoted by Sputnik, that the decision to lift the US naval blockade on Iranian ports had taken effect—a development described as “significant” in the context of recent understandings. The Iranian Fars News Agency reported that three oil tankers and two cargo ships carrying essential goods had managed to cross the Suez Canal and reach Iranian ports, coinciding with the implementation of the decision.
The crossings come ahead of a formal memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, expected to be signed in Switzerland on June 19. Bloomberg News detailed the MoU’s terms, which stipulate that upon signing, both sides and their allies will declare an immediate and final end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. Under the agreement, the US will lift its naval blockade immediately and refrain from any interference, while Iran commits to resuming shipping traffic within 30 days, accounting for necessary clearance of obstacles.
Source: Iranian media (edite dby Al-Manar)