Resumption of Oil Shipping Through the Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Iran Peace Talks

On April 11, 2026, three supertankers successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first significant movement of vessels through this critical maritime chokepoint since the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The Liberia-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) Serifos, along with two China-flagged VLCCs, Cospearl Lake and He Rong Hai, passed through the "Hormuz Passage trial anchorage," which circumvents Iran's Larak Island. Each tanker has the capacity to transport up to two million barrels of oil, with the Serifos carrying crude sourced from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while the other two are laden with Iraqi and Saudi oil, respectively.

First supertankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the truce between the US and IranThe New ArabThe Straits TimesBloomberg

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital conduit for approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Since the onset of the Iran war on February 28, 2026, which followed a surprise attack by Israel and the United States, Iran had effectively blockaded the strait, leading to significant disruptions in global energy supplies and soaring oil prices. The recent ceasefire and ongoing peace negotiations in Islamabad between US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian National Assembly Speaker Bagher Galivav have created a more favorable environment for shipping activities.

Three supertankers were confirmed to have exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on th. .The New ArabThe Straits TimesFirst supertankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the truce between the US and Iran

The resumption of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for alleviating the pressure on global oil markets, which have been strained by the blockade. The three tankers' passage represents a notable increase in oil shipping activity, although it remains below pre-war levels. The movement of these vessels is expected to contribute to stabilizing oil prices and restoring supply chains that have been disrupted for weeks.

The New Arab

Iranian officials have indicated that vessels are permitted to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, provided they obtain the necessary permissions. The Iranian government has also confirmed that negotiations with the US are ongoing, with both sides exchanging professional documents despite some remaining disagreements.

Three supertankers were confirmed to have exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on th. .

While the resumption of tanker traffic is seen as a positive development, critics argue that the situation remains precarious. The potential for renewed hostilities or miscommunication between the US and Iran could quickly reverse the progress made in peace talks. Additionally, the reliance on a single maritime route for such a significant portion of global oil supply raises concerns about vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.

The New Arab

There are discrepancies regarding the extent of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Some sources indicate that the three tankers represent a significant uptick in traffic, while others suggest that overall shipping levels remain substantially below normal. Furthermore, the Iranian government has stated that it allows vessels to pass through the strait, yet the conditions for such permissions are not fully transparent.

First supertankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz after the truce between the US and Iran

• “The reopening of Hormuz is critical to the world’s oil trade because its closure has resulted in the loss of millions of barrels of supply to global markets.” — Shipping Analyst

Bloomberg

• “Some disagreements remain, but negotiations will continue,” — Iranian Government Statement

Three supertankers were confirmed to have exited the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on th. .

The successful passage of these supertankers through the Strait of Hormuz signals a cautious optimism for the future of US-Iran relations and the stability of global energy markets.

The New Arab