June 20, 2026 – Iran has started loading crude oil again at its Kharg Island export terminal after a six-week pause. This follows the lifting of a blockade by the US Navy on its ports. According to ship tracking data f...
June 20, 2026 – Iran has started loading crude oil again at its Kharg Island export terminal after a six-week pause. This follows the lifting of a blockade by the US Navy on its ports.
According to ship tracking data from Bloomberg, three very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each capable of carrying about 2 million barrels, are docked at the Sea Island terminal near Kharg. This move indicates that Iran is actively resuming its oil exports, aided by a recent interim deal with the US that has opened up its supply lines.
Recent images from the European Union’s Sentinel-2 satellite taken earlier on Saturday show that two of these vessels are already docked, with the third one approaching the jetty. A similar image from the Sentinel-1 satellite shows the dock was empty just a day prior. Since May 6, there has been only one VLCC seen at either of the island’s docks in satellite images over 27 out of 44 days.
Following the easing of tensions with the US due to the recent peace agreement, Iran has quickly taken advantage by resuming its oil exports.
While international shipping companies have been hesitant to navigate the Strait of Hormuz due to safety concerns, Iran has managed to transfer about 20 million barrels of crude using tankers that were anchored near the port of Chabahar, close to its border with Pakistan.
Additionally, empty tankers have been brought into the Persian Gulf, including the three currently docked at Kharg: Stream, Impalas, and Lauren II. All three were witnessed crossing the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf on Thursday. Kharg Island is essential for Iran's oil operations, responsible for nearly 90% of its crude exports.
In a related development, some tankers that had been stationed near Kharg for several weeks are now moving toward Hormuz. These VLCCs are heading toward Lavan Island in the southern Gulf after recently departing Kharg. With around 20 tankers of various sizes anchored east of Kharg, Iran likely has a significant amount of crude ready for shipment out of the Gulf.