Iran Resumes Oil Loadings at Kharg Island

Iran resumed crude oil loadings from its key export terminal at Kharg Island after a six-week interruption, signaling a rapid recovery in export operations following the easing of U.S. maritime restrictions and a temporary de-escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Three very large crude carriers (VLCCs), each capable of transporting approximately 2 million barrels of oil, are currently berthed at the Sea Island terminal west of Kharg Island, according to vessel-tracking data. The development marks the strongest indication yet that Iran is accelerating efforts to restore full-scale crude exports through its primary oil-export hub.

Satellite imagery captured earlier on Saturday showed two of the tankers already docked at the facility, while a third vessel was approaching the loading berth. Images taken a day earlier indicated the terminal was empty, highlighting the speed with which loading operations have resumed.

The return of tanker traffic comes after weeks of limited activity at Kharg Island, which handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports.

Shipping and satellite data suggest that only one VLCC had been observed at the island’s loading terminals during most of the period beginning in early May, reflecting the disruption to export operations amid heightened regional tensions and restrictions on maritime access.

Iran appears to be among the earliest beneficiaries of the recent thaw in relations with the United States, moving quickly to re-establish export flows and capitalize on renewed access to international shipping routes.

While several international shipping companies remained cautious about transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to lingering security concerns, Iran reportedly transferred around 20 million barrels of crude oil using tankers anchored off the port of Chabahar near the country's southeastern border with Pakistan.

The country also redeployed empty tankers into the Persian Gulf, including the three vessels now positioned at Kharg Island. Vessel-tracking data showed the ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week before proceeding to the export terminal.

Kharg Island remains the backbone of Iran’s oil-export infrastructure, serving as the departure point for the vast majority of the country's seaborne crude shipments.

The renewed activity at the terminal is being closely monitored by energy traders and shipping markets, as any sustained increase in Iranian exports could influence regional crude supply balances and global oil prices.

In a related development, several tankers that had remained anchored near Kharg Island for weeks have begun moving toward the Strait of Hormuz. Other VLCCs were observed approaching Lavan Island in the southern Gulf after apparently departing Kharg in recent days.

With at least 20 tankers of varying sizes reported to be waiting east of Kharg Island, market participants believe Iran may have substantial volumes of crude prepared for shipment.