Three supertankers loaded with crude tried to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, two days after Tehran set up a new shipping regulator. Two vessels carried Iraqi oil to China, the third moved Kuwaiti grades to South Korea. Together they held 6 million barrels, the biggest single‑day outflow since the U.S. and Israel entered the conflict at the end of February.

Iran routed the ships along the northern channel, the path it designated after creating the Gulf Strait Authority on Monday. The body formalises Tehran’s demand that tankers seek permission and pay fees, a step up from earlier ad‑hoc requests. Shipping data firm Kpler believes a private deal likely cleared the transits, reflecting a tentative return to regulated traffic.

Industry groups issued a 22‑page safety guide on Wednesday, warning that every Hormuz route remains high‑risk and that mines have been reported on both northern and southern lanes. Kpler notes six other supertankers this month moved toward Asia, bringing total transits to almost 17 million barrels; April saw roughly 28 million barrels. Analysts say the moves do not signal a broader reopening, only isolated, negotiated passages.