An Iranian supertanker, which had remained inactive for an extended period, has transported oil to China, circumventing international sanctions. This event illustrates the continued operation of Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” used to export oil despite global restrictions, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Bloomberg.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Iran generates billions of dollars annually from oil exports, which are allegedly used to fund destabilizing activities and support terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
To facilitate these transactions, Iran employs a network of front companies and foreign-based brokers. As part of this system, oil is sold to China on behalf of Iran’s armed forces via intermediaries.
U.S. sanctions have been imposed on individuals located in China, India, and the UAE, as well as on several vessels involved in transporting Iranian oil. These sanctions freeze any assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit any financial assistance from the United States.
This incident highlights the challenges in enforcing sanctions and demonstrates Iran’s ability to continue oil exports by exploiting legal and logistical loopholes on the international stage.
Earlier we wrote that Russia has become a mediator in negotiations between the US and Iran.