At least three Iranian tankers carrying nearly five million barrels of crude oil have exited the U.S. Navy blockade. The blockade, which began on 13 April, targeted all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. These movements mark Iran's first crude oil exports in two months.
A third fully-loaded crude tanker has left the Iranian port of Chabahar and crossed the blockade line heading toward Asia. Additionally, two Iran-linked tankers are sailing eastward through the Strait of Hormuz, while a number of other Iran-linked oil tankers have been shifting position.
These developments occur as the United States and Iran prepare to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and an interim peace agreement on Friday. The deal is expected to re-open the waterway and could allow Tehran to immediately start selling its oil. Both nations are also preparing to start more talks.