Key facts
- Iran and the US have signed an interim peace deal.
- The Strait of Hormuz has been reopened, and the US naval blockade lifted.
- Iranian oil tankers carrying 3.8 million barrels of crude oil passed the blockade.
- A corn ship also crossed the US blockade line.
- A liquefied natural gas tanker from Qatar is nearing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian oil tankers carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of crude oil have passed a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of an interim peace deal signing between Iran and the United States. The deal, announced by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, takes immediate effect, with Iran reopening the Strait and the US lifting its blockade. At least three supertankers, including the Hero II and Sonia I operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), sailed past the blockade line. A corn ship also crossed the blockade. The US naval blockade, initiated on April 13, was reportedly authorized for removal by President Donald Trump, despite US confirmation it would remain until the deal was signed. Analysts suggest Iran's actions signal confidence in the impending resolution. A liquefied natural gas tanker loaded in Qatar is approaching the Strait of Hormuz, hinting at increased traffic following the implementation of the interim US-Iran peace deal.