At least three Iranian-owned and US-sanctioned oil tankers crossed a US naval blockade and exited toward the Gulf of Oman, according to publicly available tracking data reviewed by Al-Monitor.
The vessels were identified as *Diona*, *Sonia* and *Hero II*, all operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company, which is itself under US sanctions. A fourth NITC ship, *M/T Stream*, approached the blockade line from the Arabian Sea after waiting for several weeks.
Data from MarineTraffic and Kpler indicated that at least 4.8 million barrels of Iranian oil moved east of the US line from Monday onward. Central Command declined to discuss the individual vessels, leaving unclear whether their passage was explicitly authorised, tolerated during a policy transition or not challenged for another reason.
President Donald Trump had announced on Sunday that he would begin lifting restrictions around Iranian ports if Tehran stopped threatening traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. A maritime advisory centre supported by the US military nevertheless told ships the blockade would remain until Friday, creating mixed signals about the timing.
US and Iranian representatives were expected to sign a general framework in Geneva that Friday. The plan would extend a pause in the war by 60 days and reopen diplomatic negotiations. American officials warned that restoring commercial tanker movements to their earlier level could still take weeks.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Washington had already begun easing the blockade. A US official separately confirmed that sanctions waivers allowing Iranian oil sales were under consideration, but described any benefit as conditional on Iranian performance. Requirements included no nuclear weapon, neutralisation of enriched material and non-interference with navigation through Hormuz.
The naval operation had turned back 142 ships travelling to or from Iranian ports since April, according to the US military. American forces also seized or disabled nine vessels accused of trying to break through. An attack on a tanker killed three Indian crew members and led India to summon the US chargé d'affaires.
That history made the three successful passages significant but not proof that the blockade had ended. Tracking data can establish movement and identity; it cannot by itself reveal diplomatic permission or naval intent.
The ships' exit provided an early, measurable sign of possible de-escalation ahead of the Geneva framework. Whether it became a durable reopening depended on both sides meeting conditions, issuing consistent maritime guidance and avoiding attacks that could cause Washington to restore enforcement. Oil buyers and shipping companies would also need clear sanctions guidance before treating the passage as normal commerce.
