Iran exported 50 million barrels of crude since lifting US blockade: TankerTrackers

• June exports averaged about 1.66 million barrels per day.
• Shipments surged following the U.S.-Iran memorandum and a 60-day sanctions waiver.
• Iran's oil exports have rebounded faster than those of other regional producers.

Iran’s crude oil exports have experienced a resurgence, topping 50 million barrels in the two weeks since a US-enforced naval blockade was officially lifted, according to data released by maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.

The rapid mobilization of oil tankers translates to an average export rate of 1.66 million barrels per day (bpd) for June 2026.

The sudden influx of Iranian crude into international markets marks a significant shift in regional energy dynamics following months of severe wartime disruptions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

The swift return of Iranian oil to global supply lines follows a period of historic lows. In May, under the pressure of a tightening maritime blockade, Iranian exports had cratered to between 209,000 and 260,000 bpd.

The turnaround began mid-month after a U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into force on June 18, signaling a framework to end active hostilities and reopen the blockaded shipping lanes.

To facilitate ongoing diplomatic negotiations managed by regional mediators in Switzerland, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) subsequently issued General License X.

This broad, temporary 60-day waiver legally authorizes the production, transport, and sale of Iranian petroleum products through August 21, 2026, even permitting the use of US dollars for associated transactions.

TankerTrackers notes that the 50 million barrel figure reflects a combination of active production and the offloading of substantial crude stores that Tehran had held afloat in domestic waters during the height of the embargo.

While Iran’s logistical networks have bounced back rapidly to monetize the 60-day sanctions window, the broader Middle Eastern energy sector is struggling to stabilize.

TankerTrackers highlighted a stark asymmetry in the Persian Gulf's recovery, reporting that most other oil-producing countries in the region are still nowhere near their pre-war export levels.

The sluggish recovery across neighboring states stems from lasting infrastructure damage, high maritime insurance premiums, and residual security concerns.

Although threat levels in the Gulf were downgraded following the diplomatic roadmap, commercial shipping remains cautious.

International organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have had to periodically pause regional transit and evacuation safety plans due to isolated projectile strikes on commercial cargo hulls, leaving the wider regional industry lagging behind Iran's targeted export push.