Iran manages to ship some gas, jet fuel despite US blockade, sanctions, data shows

What Happened

Since mid-July, Iran has successfully exported approximately 4.1 million barrels of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and at least one shipment of jet fuel despite an ongoing US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, according to shipping intelligence and analysis from United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and SynMax. Intelligence indicates that Iranian vessels have utilized ship-to-ship transfers near the Omani towns of Shinas and Sohar to conceal cargoes before attempting to bypass US patrols. While US Central Command (CENTCOM) maintains that its blockade, reimposed on July 14, remains ironclad, UANI reported that at least eight gas tankers have departed the region since mid-July. A US military official stated that some vessels may be permitted passage for humanitarian reasons or operational monitoring, while the US Treasury Department cautioned that shipping data can be unreliable due to vessel identity spoofing.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The successful transit of these cargoes highlights the limitations of the US 'maximum pressure' sanctions architecture and the naval blockade, which aims to sever Iran's primary revenue streams. The export of jet fuel, in particular, suggests that Iran is seeking to monetize surplus refinery products despite a broader collapse in crude oil exports, which fell to zero in September according to Kpler data.

Watch For

Monitor future CENTCOM updates regarding the number of vessels turned around or seized in the Gulf of Oman, as well as potential US Treasury actions against additional tankers identified as carrying Iranian products. Further analysis of Iranian aviation fuel exports will be critical, given the increasing pressure on Iran's domestic aviation sector due to grounded aircraft and international sanctions.