First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since US blockade: Kpler

Ahram Online , Friday 17 Apr 2026

Three Iranian oil tankers carrying five million barrels of crude have become the first such loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since a US blockade came into force, tracking firm Kpler told AFP on Friday.

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File Photo: Iranian crude oil Tanker SONIA

 

The Deep Sea, Sonia I, and Diona, all under US sanctions, traversed the strategic strait on Wednesday after leaving Iran's Kharg Island, having loaded on April 2, 8, and 9, respectively, according to the maritime data company.

US forces began blockading Iranian ports at 1400 GMT on Monday after peace talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement the previous day.

On the other side, Iran has blocked transit through the Strait of Hormuz to all ships affiliated with countries that support the US-Israel war on the country since 28 February.

On Tuesday, Trump told the New York Post that a second round of talks could take place in Pakistan “over the next two days.” 

In the past 48 hours, the Pakistani military chief has held talks with Iranian officials in Tehran and has headed to Washington to meet with US officials to restart direct negotiations between the two sides.

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