Iran exported at least 57 million barrels of crude oil in the short period that elapsed between two naval blockades imposed by the United States, while continuing to move oil tankers secretly through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days.

These developments come within the framework of the US maximum pressure policy on Iran.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that six giant oil tankers listed on the US sanctions list, with a total capacity of 12 million barrels, crossed the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman last week after turning off tracking devices.

These moves, along with voyages of other Iran-linked ships, came after Washington canceled on July 7 the temporary permit that allowed Iran to sell its oil.

Since that date, tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, as the White House intends to reinstate the blockade starting at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday Washington time, while President Donald Trump demanded 20% of the value of shipments passing through the strait under US protection, without providing additional details.

Ship tracking data showed that observed navigation in the Strait of Hormuz nearly came to a halt early Tuesday.

Since July 7, numerous ships linked to Tehran and subject to US sanctions have left the Strait of Hormuz, including oil tankers, liquefied petroleum gas carriers, and container ships, along with the six giant Iranian oil tankers.

57 Million Barrels of Crude

These moves are part of flows totaling 57 million barrels of crude that Iran managed to ship between the two US naval blockades, according to Bloomberg.

During the period between the two blockades, Tehran managed to ship at least 2.2 million barrels per day, a very high level by current standards.

Bloomberg noted that the actual quantities exported may be higher than that, given what it described as 'Iran's long history of concealing shipment flows.'

Trump said Monday that the United States will reimpose its blockade on ships departing for or arriving from Iranian ports.

His post on the Truth Social platform came less than a month after a temporary agreement between Washington and Tehran to ease restrictions and lift sanctions on sales.

According to Bloomberg, the additional Iranian oil contributed to a decline in oil prices during the first two weeks after the signing of the memorandum of understanding, but prices rose again as tensions escalated.

This Iranian move reflects an attempt to circumvent sanctions and boost oil revenues before the return of a comprehensive blockade. Iran exported about 2.2 million barrels per day between the two blockades, a high level reflecting its ability to bypass restrictions. Analysts are watching whether Washington will succeed in implementing the new blockade, especially as Iran continues to hide the routes of its tankers.