Since mid-July 2023, despite claims of a U.S. maritime blockade, Iran has successfully exported shipments including liquefied gas and aviation fuel. These shipments are part of Iran's export activities through ship-to-ship transfers near the coast of Oman.
Details of the Exported Shipments
Research shows that at least eight tankers carrying liquefied gas have left Iranian waters since mid-July. Estimates indicate that the volume of these shipments reaches approximately 4.1 million barrels. Additionally, obtained information suggests that a tanker carrying aviation fuel related to Iran arrived in Myanmar in September.
Read more: Iran; Main Supplier of Gas to Turkey in August
Sanctions and Export Challenges
According to maritime security sources, six of the eight tankers carrying liquefied gas, as well as the tanker carrying aviation fuel, are under U.S. sanctions. These sanctions have been imposed due to the transfers of petroleum and petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most liquefied gas shipments have been transferred to Malaysian ports after leaving the Sea of Oman for further ship-to-ship transfers. The final destination of these shipments is likely China.
These shipments represent only a small portion of Iran's previous energy exports and do not signify a broad resumption of the country's oil exports. Data from Kpler shows that in September, Iran's crude oil exports dropped to zero, marking the first time since the company began monitoring in 2013.
Status of the Maritime Blockade
The U.S. Central Command has announced that the maritime blockade remains in effect. An American military official emphasized that the passage of a ship through the area does not constitute a circumvention of the blockade, as the status of each vessel will be assessed individually. This official also noted that some vessels may be granted passage due to specific circumstances, including humanitarian considerations.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has also warned against relying on ship tracking data, stating that some vessels may misrepresent their geographical position or use false identities.
Read more: Iran's Share of Turkey's Gas Imports Reached 33 Percent · Mohammad Akraminia: Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is Conditional on U.S. Withdrawal
