**Iranian Oil Tankers Navigate US Blockade Ahead of Peace Deal Signing**
*Published on 17 June 2026 - 8:06 GMT+2*
In a significant development, Iranian oil tankers have successfully passed through a U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in two months. This event coincides with preparations for a peace deal signing ceremony between Iran and the United States, aimed at concluding ongoing hostilities.
According to maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers, at least two supertankers from the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), named Diona and Hero2, have exited the blockade carrying a combined total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil. Additionally, the NITC's Stream ship is reported to be approaching the blockade from the Pakistan exclusive economic zone, where it had been awaiting entry into Iran for the past seven weeks.
The U.S. naval blockade, which began on April 13, 2026, was implemented amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. It targeted all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. This blockade was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Iran.
The recent developments follow an announcement made by Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, regarding a peace agreement mediated by Pakistan. On June 14, Sharif stated that both parties had reached a consensus, declaring an "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." He confirmed that an official signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
President Trump later affirmed the agreement on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating, "The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete." He further authorized the "toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz" and the "immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade," signaling a shift in U.S. policy towards Iran.
While the announcement of the peace deal has generated optimism, details regarding the specific terms of the agreement remain sparse. Trump has emphasized that any deal would depend on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and assurances that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons.
In response to the unfolding situation, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called for transparency regarding the agreement. He urged Trump to make the terms of the deal public and to brief Congress, emphasizing the need for clarity on how the war will conclude. Schumer remarked, "Americans need to know how and when this war will truly end. The longer this war goes, the worse things will get."
As the signing ceremony approaches, the international community is closely monitoring developments in the region, particularly the implications of the peace deal for U.S.-Iran relations and global oil markets. The successful passage of Iranian tankers through the blockade is seen as a pivotal moment that could signal a new chapter in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.