The Iraqi Oil Ministry has officially refuted allegations regarding the purchase, receipt, or re-exportation of Iranian crude oil, asserting that all export operations adhere to stringent controls.
In a detailed statement, the Ministry underscored that “all quantities of Iraqi crude oil are issued according to global mechanisms and standards that ensure the highest levels of transparency.” The oil is marketed exclusively through established international companies that possess certified refineries.
This development follows recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury in December, targeting 35 entities and a particular vessel identified as playing a crucial role in transporting Iran’s legitimate oil to foreign markets. The sanctions are aimed at raising operational costs for the Iranian oil sector, particularly after its military aggression against Israel on October 1 and the subsequent escalations in nuclear activities.
According to the U.S. Treasury, these oil revenues are critical for the Iranian regime as they finance its nuclear program, the development of drones and advanced missile technology, and ongoing support for terrorist operations. The Treasury noted that Iran employs extensive networks of tankers and shipping management companies to facilitate oil exports, often resorting to tactics such as document forgery and disrupting shipping systems to evade detection.
This situation underscores the complex interplay between international oil markets, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory frameworks aimed at curbing illicit activities within the sector.