2 million-barrel tanker pushes through blockade in Strait of Hormuz
Tanker in the Strait of Hormuz (Photo: Getty Images)
Another supertanker carrying Iraqi oil has crossed the US blockade line and entered the Arabian Sea amid negotiations between the US and Iran over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, reports Bloomberg.
What is known about the vessel's movement
Eagle Verona loaded its cargo at a terminal in Basra on February 28 and has been blocked ever since. Arrival in Ningbo is scheduled for June 12.
The day before, the LNG tanker Al Hamra left the Strait of Hormuz — the first such voyage to India since the start of the Iran war.
According to the Iranian news agency ISNA, in the last 24 hours, after receiving permission from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, 33 vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US, for its part, reported that during six weeks of the naval blockade of Iranian ports, its forces have redirected more than 100 commercial vessels.
However, most vessels remain blocked in the Persian Gulf after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in late February in response to US‑Israeli strikes.
The oil market is closely watching every tanker departure from the Gulf. Brent crude is trading at around $96 per barrel.
Negotiations between the US and Iran continue. Tehran and Washington are discussing a memorandum of understanding as the first phase of an agreement, after which, within 30‑60 days, they plan to move to a broader deal on the nuclear issue.
Trump has stated that the deal is largely agreed upon and only details remain to be finalised. However, Iran refuted his remarks about the full opening of the Strait — Tehran insists that control over the strait, routes, and permits will remain with the Islamic Republic.
