Misbar Monitors Resumption of Iranian Oil Tanker Activity on Kharg Island

Satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 and maritime tracking systems showed intense activity by Iranian oil tankers at Kharg Island on June 20, 2026, following reports of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran that would reportedly ease restrictions on Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil Tanker Activity Near Kharg Island Ports

MarineTraffic data showed the oil tankers “STREAM” (IMO 9569633) and “IMPALAS” (IMO 9171448) anchored at the western port of Kharg Island.

The data indicate that both vessels, which are blacklisted and subject to sanctions by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), activated their automatic identification systems (AIS) while alongside the berth, where crude oil loading operations were underway.

Satellite imagery captured the following day also showed a third tanker approaching the port, compared with images from June 17, which showed no vessels present at the island’s ports.

In the same context, satellite images documented about 20 additional oil tankers near Kharg Island, appearing to be preparing for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tracking data further indicate that 13 of these vessels, all Iranian-flagged tankers, have already begun sailing toward Asian markets, with estimates suggesting the first arrivals near the Singapore Strait and the adjacent Malaysian maritime boundary (EOPL) around June 29.

Lifting of U.S. Maritime Blockade on Iranian Ports

The developments in the Strait of Hormuz come after a period of closure and a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports following a U.S. maritime blockade imposed in April. Current movement indicators suggest a resumption of large-scale export activity through the international waterway, driven by the entry into force of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.

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