Public Gazette
Tehran: Iranian Oil Tankers Resume Exports as Strait of Hormuz Sees Movement Ahead of Peace Talks
Iranian oil tankers have begun leaving the Strait of Hormuz despite a reported US naval blockade, according to tracking data, as Washington and Tehran prepare to enter key peace negotiations in Switzerland.
Maritime monitoring reports suggest that vessel movement has resumed in limited form, with signs of Iranian crude exports restarting after a pause of nearly two months. The development comes ahead of talks scheduled for Friday at Switzerland’s Burgenstock resort, where both sides are expected to discuss a broader settlement, including Iran’s nuclear programme and possible sanctions relief.
Oil market sentiment briefly weakened following reports that shipping activity through the strategic waterway may be normalising. However, uncertainty remains after renewed regional tensions, including fresh strikes in parts of southern Lebanon.
According to tanker tracking sources, at least two large Iranian oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of crude have exited the blockade perimeter, with a third vessel also later reported to have moved out of the restricted zone.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue alongside ongoing regional security concerns.
US-Iran Deal Talks Set 60-Day Window as Sanctions Relief and Oil Sales Waiver Expected
Officials say negotiations over a final agreement will begin immediately after a signing ceremony in Switzerland and continue over a 60-day period, during which key decisions are expected on Iran’s nuclear programme and the phased lifting of international sanctions.
According to reports, the United States may allow Iran to resume oil and fuel sales immediately under the emerging deal aimed at ending the conflict. The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the agreement, reported that sanctions relief could take effect right after signing.
The proposed waiver is also expected to extend to financial services, including banking, transportation, and insurance, potentially easing Iran’s access to global markets as diplomatic efforts move forward.
Oil Prices Fall as Israel-Hezbollah Clashes Continue Despite US-Iran Framework Deal
Oil prices have dropped following reports of a framework agreement between the United States and Iran, even as fresh regional violence continues to raise tensions in the Middle East.
The Israeli military said it carried out a strike in southern Lebanon after identifying a suspicious vehicle near its forces, while also intercepting rockets and targeting a launcher in a separate operation. Lebanese state media reported that multiple strikes hit vehicles in the town of Mayfadoun and nearby Shukeen, resulting in four fatalities.
Iran’s central military command warned Israel to expect a “harsh response” to the latest strikes, signalling the risk of further escalation despite diplomatic progress.
Meanwhile, a senior US official, speaking anonymously, said a preliminary framework agreement has already been signed electronically by key figures including US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Iran–US Talks Set for Friday as Oil Prices Slip on Hormuz Reopening Optimism
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a new round of negotiations between Iran and the United States is expected to begin on Friday, aimed at reaching a final agreement on key issues.
He noted that the talks will focus on Iran’s nuclear programme as well as the lifting of international sanctions, which remain central to any long-term settlement.
Market sentiment turned more positive following signs of easing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, pushing global oil prices lower. Brent crude fell to $78.74 per barrel in Wednesday trading, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate stood at $75.85 per barrel, reflecting expectations of improved supply stability.
Pakistan- and Qatar-Mediated Talks Advance as Iran–US Nuclear Deal Faces Key Challenges
Weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan and Qatar have helped build momentum toward a possible interim agreement between Iran and the United States, although a comprehensive settlement on Iran’s nuclear programme and Western sanctions remains out of reach.
Key sticking points remain, with the US and Israel reportedly seeking the removal of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Tehran continues to insist on its right to maintain uranium enrichment under international oversight. Despite these differences, the agreed framework has opened the door for further negotiations on the core disputes.
Speaking at the G7 summit in France, US President Donald Trump described the emerging document as “
