Iran says it has found ways to dodge U.S. oil blockade

September 4, 2026 at 06:30 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the country is pursuing various tactics to bypass the U.S. oil blockade reimposed in mid-July. Iran managed to load around 260,000 barrels per day for export in August, an 80% slump from a year earlier, according to Kpler data cited by CNBC. China, Iran's top oil buyer, has signaled it will not end trade ties despite U.S. sanctions.

Key Facts

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the oil industry 'has not sat idle' and is pursuing various solutions to bypass the U.S. blockade.
Iran loaded around 260,000 barrels per day for export in August, an 80% slump compared to 1.7 million bpd in August 2025, according to Kpler data cited by CNBC.
TankerTrackers.com estimated Iran's oil exports plunged by 100% in August 2026 compared to the pre-war baseline of January and February 2026.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China will do everything necessary to safeguard its rights and interests after the U.S. launched 'Operation Economic Outcast'.

Iranian Response

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the oil industry has not stopped and is pursuing various solutions to bypass the U.S. blockade. Iran moved a significant volume of oil out of the Persian Gulf during the three-week period when the blockade was lifted between mid-June and mid-July. Iran also claims it is boosting oil and associated gas production despite the war and U.S. strikes.

Export Collapse

Vessel-tracking services estimated Iran's oil exports plunged in August after the U.S. reinstated the blockade in mid-July. Kpler data cited by CNBC showed Iran loaded around 260,000 barrels per day in August, an 80% slump from 1.7 million bpd a year earlier. August loadings were more than halved compared to about 740,000 bpd in July 2026. TankerTrackers.com estimated Iran's oil exports plunged by 100% in August 2026 compared to the pre-war baseline of January and February 2026.

China's Position

China, Iran's top and almost only oil buyer, signaled it would not end trade relations following U.S. sanctions targeting Chinese and Hong Kong entities. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China will do everything necessary to firmly safeguard its rights and interests after the U.S. launched 'Operation Economic Outcast'.