The USA, by imposing extensive sanctions against Iran, is seeking to compel Tehran to change its behavior. This economic blockade, which analysts say may last for years, has minimized Iran's oil exports and affected billions of dollars in the country's monthly revenue.
Economic Sanctions and Their Effects on Oil Exports
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, led by Scott A. Busent, had promised that Iran's economy would suffer quickly. The department announced that by the end of September, all Iranian airlines would be grounded and Iran would soon have no oil for sale. However, data from global information company Kpler shows that Iran is exporting about 250,000 barrels of oil daily via land routes.
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The Trump administration is trying to pressure Iran into returning to the negotiating table through economic pressure. However, Iranian officials continue to insist on their positions and are unwilling to back down. This economic pressure is designed as part of the United States' efforts to limit Iran's financial resources, especially in the oil sector.
Economic Warfare and Its Consequences
On September 8, the Trump administration announced a series of sanctions against Iran's aviation industry and threatened that foreign companies providing services to Iranian airlines would face secondary sanctions. However, in October, international flights to and from Iran continue, indicating difficulties in fully enforcing these sanctions.
Analysts believe that sanction campaigns like the "Economic Exclusion" operations require long-term commitment and time to be effective. Matthew Levitt, a former U.S. Treasury official, emphasizes that these economic campaigns are only effective to the extent that the U.S. government is committed to maintaining and enforcing them.
Despite economic difficulties and external pressures, Iran continues to sell oil. Estimates show that the country is currently selling oil that it exported in previous periods. This could mean a continuation of oil revenue streams for Iran, even under harsh sanctions.
While the USA seeks to strengthen economic pressure on Iran, officials believe that time will work in Washington's favor. While Iran has previously managed to navigate crises using its oil revenues, the new blockade has minimized the country's maneuverability.
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