Three Iranian oil tankers carrying a combined five million barrels of crude oil have become the first loaded vessels to leave the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since the US-imposed "naval blockade" came into effect earlier this week.

The tankers -- Deep Sea, Sonia I, and Diona -- all under US sanctions, successfully passed through the strategic strait on Friday after departing from Iran’s Kharg Island, according to tracking firm Kpler.

The maritime data company confirmed the crossings using satellite imagery and ship tracking data. The vessels were loaded on April 2, 8, and 9, respectively.

The development comes after the United States announced it had imposed a so-called blockade on Iranian ports and disrupted the country’s maritime trade.

Washington claimed the blockade, which began on Monday, was intended to prevent Tehran from exporting its oil.

Iran has strongly rejected the US measure, warning that it violates the fragile ceasefire and could trigger a proportional response from Iranian armed forces.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei dismissed the feasibility of the US effort, describing it as a provocative act that violates international law and lacks any legal legitimacy.

He stressed that Iran, as a coastal state with the support of regional countries, is fully capable of ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz, provided that American aggression and interference in the region end.

For decades, Iran has served as the primary guardian of security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Press TV’s website