Iranian Tankers Break US Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz as Iran-US Peace Talks Set for Switzerland

The first Iranian oil-carrying vessels breached a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to maritime tracking platform TankerTrackers, just two days before Washington and Tehran are scheduled to open formal negotiations in Switzerland over a wide-ranging peace settlement — one still thin on specifics regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of international sanctions.

The landmark peace discussions are scheduled to commence Friday at Switzerland’s Burgenstock mountain resort. News that the Hormuz Strait would reopen immediately sent global crude oil prices sharply lower.

Hopes that the conflict — sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on February 28 — may be nearing its conclusion were partially tempered by renewed Israeli military action in south Lebanon.

TankerTrackers, which monitors global oil shipping and storage activity, confirmed Iran’s

citing digital tracking data backed by satellite imagery.

TankerTrackers announced on X, later confirming a third tanker had also departed the zone.

Negotiations for a comprehensive settlement are set to begin immediately following a signing ceremony in Switzerland and will continue within a 60-day window, during which the fate of Iran’s nuclear programme and a structured plan for lifting economic sanctions will be determined, officials confirmed.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday, citing individuals close to the agreement, that the United States has agreed to allow Iran to resume oil and fuel sales immediately under the terms of the deal. The Journal also noted that the sanctions waiver — covering banking, transportation, and insurance services — would take effect right after the signing ceremony.

The agreement has drawn scrutiny from certain Republican conservatives, with Senate Republicans reportedly seeking the full text of the deal and official briefings from the Trump administration.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune was quoted as saying by the Journal.