Iran has organized an $800 million oil smuggling scheme to circumvent sanctions
Iran is using a large-scale scheme to illegally export oil, estimated to be worth approximately $800 million, to circumvent international sanctions. To conceal their activities, the tankers pose as Iraqi vessels and hide their actual routes.
This was reported by Fox News.
According to analysts, Tehran has built a complex system of maritime disinformation. Sanctioned tankers transmit false signals about their location, creating the impression that they are anchored off the coast of Iraq. In reality, the vessels secretly call at Iranian ports to load oil.
Experts indicate that at least four large VLCC-class tankers are involved in the scheme, each of which can carry about 2 million barrels of oil. The total volume of potential cargo is estimated at approximately 8 million barrels, equivalent to about $800 million at current prices.
Among the identified vessels are:
• Alicia (IMO 9281695)
• RHN (IMO 9208215)
• Star Forest (IMO 9237632)
• Aqua (IMO 9248473)
Analysts note that these tankers use so-called “flags of convenience” from countries such as Curaçao and Malawi, which makes them difficult to track.
Separately, experts draw attention to a “cluster” of about ten vessels in the area west of the Strait of Hormuz. They transmit coordinates that simulate movement toward Iraqi ports, although they are actually heading toward Iran.
Experts emphasize that such tactics allow for the concealment of actual operations involving the export of sanctioned oil and complicate the monitoring of maritime transport in the region.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron announced active diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. During a visit to Andorra, he emphasized that he is negotiating with both Donald Trump and the Iranian side to resolve the energy crisis “at its root.”
U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to conclude an agreement as soon as possible amid stalled negotiations and reports of a possible extension of the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
