An oil tanker sailing under the flag of Hong Kong has passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Gulf of Oman, as a US blockade continues to target vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, according to a maritime data firm.

The tanker, AVA 6, departed from a port in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday, Beijing time. It passed through the Strait of Hormuz sometime between 4am and 2pm on Thursday, according to data from Mingkun Technology, a Chinese maritime information provider based in Chongqing.

The tanker was anchored near Sohar Port in Oman on Friday, the Chinese firm said.

While the American blockade is focused on shipping to and from Iranian ports, Tehran has warned that it could retaliate by targeting ports in neighbouring Gulf countries.

The safe passage of the Hong Kong-flagged ship indicates that tensions may be easing as both sides work towards a second round of peace talks.

On Friday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz was completely open for commercial ships.