Iranian supertankers exit US blockade, resuming crude exports

Two Iranian supertankers, identified as Diona and Hero 2, have successfully exited a US Navy blockade area, marking the resumption of Iran's crude oil exports after a two-month hiatus. According to maritime tracking service TankerTrackers, the vessels are carrying a combined total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil.

The development, confirmed by AIS data and satellite imagery from June 15, signifies a notable step for Iran's oil shipments. TankerTrackers also reported that a third National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) vessel, Stream, is approaching the blockade line after spending approximately seven weeks in Pakistan's exclusive economic zone.

Separately, US Senator Raphael Warnock questioned the rationale behind the US war with Iran, particularly following a ceasefire agreement and the reported reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting the outcome mirrored the pre-conflict situation. He also expressed concerns about the conflict's impact on America's credibility.