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Iranian Oil Tankers Cross US Blockade Line Ahead of Nuclear Talks
Several Iranian oil tankers exited a US-imposed blockade zone in the Strait of Hormuz this week. The crossings occurred two days before scheduled talks between Washington and Tehran on a final agreement to end their war.
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Several tankers carrying Iranian oil crossed a United States blockade line in the Strait of Hormuz this week, according to digital tracking data. The crossings took place two days before Washington and Tehran are scheduled to begin talks on a final settlement after reaching a framework agreement.
The TankerTrackers website reported Iran’s first crude oil exports in two months on Wednesday. It cited digital tracking data and satellite imagery showing three National Iranian Tanker Company vessels that carried a total of 4.8 million barrels. Two tankers exited the blockade line on Tuesday. A third vessel sailed past the line in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday.
Iranian officials are set to sign a memorandum of understanding before talks begin on Friday at Switzerland’s Burgenstock mountain resort. The negotiations will continue for 60 days and focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. A waiver of sanctions on oil sales will take effect immediately upon signing, allowing Iran to resume oil exports right away.
The waiver will also cover banking, transportation and insurance services. The framework agreement was signed electronically by US and Iranian officials ahead of the scheduled round of talks.
