First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since U.S. blockade: Kpler

Lead

Three Iranian oil tankers carrying a total of five million barrels of crude have become the first loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since a U.S. blockade came into force, according to the maritime tracking firm Kpler, as reported by AFP on Friday. The tankers—Deep Sea, Sonia I, and Diona—passed the strategic strait on Wednesday after leaving Iran's Kharg Island, having loaded on April 2, 8, and 9 respectively, per Kpler's data. All three vessels are under U.S. sanctions.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the situation has come from multiple outlets, each drawing on distinct sources. The Hindu, citing Kpler via AFP, focused on the specific movements of the three named tankers and their cargo. Meanwhile, Jerusalem Post, citing The Washington Post and satellite analysis from Tanker Trackers, reported on additional Iranian tanker activity, including vessels loading at ports and others spotted in the Gulf of Oman.

Both accounts describe the U.S. blockade as the operative context, but they emphasize different aspects: The Hindu highlights the first successful departure of loaded tankers, while Jerusalem Post discusses Iran's broader oil management strategy in response to the blockade.

Key Claims

• According to Kpler, as cited by The Hindu, the Deep Sea, Sonia I, and Diona passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 15, carrying a combined five million barrels of crude. This is reported as the first such loaded departure since the blockade was imposed.

• The Washington Post, cited by Jerusalem Post, reported that five empty Iranian tankers were sighted at Iranian ports loading oil. Three were at Kharg Island—where 90% of Iran's oil is processed and shipped—and two at Bandar Mahshahr, Iran's northernmost Persian Gulf port, according to Tanker Trackers' satellite analysis.

• Another five tankers, loaded with approximately 9 million barrels of oil, were spotted in the Gulf of Oman earlier in the week, per The Washington Post's report, though they were no longer visible in subsequent satellite images.

Perspectives

U.S. Military and Officials

U.S. officials stated that no Iranian vessels have broken the blockade since it was imposed on Monday. The U.S. Central Command reported that 21 ships have complied and returned to Iran after being warned, and it released an operational update showing the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy patrolling the Arabian Sea as part of the blockade.

Iran's Oil Infrastructure Management

Per Jerusalem Post's report, citing The Washington Post, Iran's purpose in loading oil at Kharg and other terminals is not to export it but to avoid damage to its main oil infrastructure. Terminals require a constant flow of oil to remain operational, with tankers serving as "floating oil storage" to prevent pressure buildup. The tankers spotted at Kharg have a combined carrying capacity of five million barrels, allowing Iran to keep oil moving through the system.

Tracking Firms and Analysts

Maritime data firms such as Kpler and Tanker Trackers provide independent satellite-based analysis of tanker movements. Their observations are central to reporting on the blockade's effects, but their data are based on imagery and may not capture the full picture of vessel movements or intentions.

Temporal Context and Corrections

This article covers events reported as of April 17-18, 2026. The blockade was imposed on Monday, April 13, 2026. The tanker movements described occurred between April 15 and 18. No corrections to earlier reporting have been noted in the provided sources.