Iran resumes crude oil exports after maritime deal with US

Iran has resumed exporting crude oil for the first time in two months following an agreement between Washington and Tehran to end a U.S. naval blockade, according to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.

The company, citing vessel tracking data corroborated by satellite imagery, said at least two supertankers operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company had crossed what it described as the U.S. naval blockade line, carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of crude oil, CNN reports. 

The reported shipments come after the United States and Iran announced a framework agreement aimed at ending restrictions on Iranian port access and easing maritime tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 15  that the Strait of Hormuz had been reopened under the terms of the agreement, although he later revised the timeline, stating that the strait would reopen following a formal signing ceremony scheduled in Geneva on June 19.

By Sabina Mammadli