Iran urgently shipped 10 million barrels of oil
Iran exported at least 10 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil in a single night. According to analysts, Tehran may have been acting in haste due to fears that the U.S. would soon tighten its control over shipping in the region once again.
The sharp increase in exports came after Washington revoked a temporary easing of sanctions that had allowed Iran to openly sell its oil. Tensions between the countries continue to rise following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts at TankerTrackers.com, a service that tracks the movement of oil tankers, reported the sharp increase in exports. According to their data, Iran shipped at least 10 million barrels of crude oil and fuel oil abroad in just one night.
Experts believe this rush may be linked to Tehran’s fears of a possible resumption of stricter U.S. controls over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. TankerTrackers.com noted that Iranian tanker activity surged immediately after Washington’s decision to revoke the 60-day sanctions waiver.
It was this exemption that had temporarily allowed Iran to openly sell oil on the international market. According to U.S. officials, the decision to revoke the exemption was made after Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, over the past two days, the U.S. has carried out a series of strikes against Iran’s military infrastructure, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes. A significant portion of global oil exports passes through it, so any hostilities or restrictions on shipping instantly affect global energy markets.
So far, officials in Tehran have not commented on reports of record export volumes over the past 24 hours. At the same time, experts believe that Iran is trying to export oil as quickly as possible ahead of a possible further tightening of sanctions and military pressure from the U.S., according to Al Jazeera.
Iran announced the deaths of three Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps soldiers following new U.S. strikes. Despite declarations of a ceasefire, the sides continue to exchange attacks, and the situation in the Middle East remains tense.
The United States has announced a large-scale military operation against Iran. Over the past two days, U.S. forces have struck more than 170 military targets located near the Strait of Hormuz. Officials in Washington say the main goal of the operation is to weaken Iran’s ability to attack international shipping.
Despite declarations of a ceasefire, the situation in the Middle East has escalated again. On Wednesday night, the U.S. and Iran exchanged new strikes, and Jordan announced that it had intercepted Iranian missiles over its territory. Meanwhile, in Iran, the funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei continues amid ongoing hostilities.
A funeral procession took place in the city of Mashhad, Iran, during which the coffins of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family were carried through the streets. Large crowds gathered to pay their respects, causing the procession to be temporarily delayed.
