As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate into direct military confrontation, Tehran is quietly repositioning its oil export strategy to protect a crucial revenue stream and navigate tightening U.S. sanctions.
According to two ship-tracking firms that spoke with Reuters, Iran is continuing to export crude oil largely unabated, using a "shadow fleet" of tankers and adapting its loading operations to minimize risk. While missile exchanges between the two adversaries have targeted strategic energy infrastructure — including Israel's Haifa oil refinery and Iran’s South Pars gas field — Iran’s main crude terminal on Kharg Island remains intact.
Recent data from energy analytics firm Kpler shows that Iran has loaded 2.2 million barrels of crude per day so far this week, the highest volume in over a month. The loading operations have shifted exclusively to the island’s eastern jetty, a move seen as a precaution amid ongoing hostilities.
Floating storage allows Iran to respond quickly to market demand and sidestep sanctions enforcement by disguising cargo origins or swapping cargo at sea. This flexibility becomes even more valuable during wartime or geopolitical instability.
Despite the reimposed U.S. sanctions — and additional restrictions targeting Chinese refiners since March — Iranian oil exports have remained resilient. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported on Tuesday that exports have held steady at around 1.7 million barrels per day throughout 2025.
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