When Donald Trump took office last winter and imposed dozens of new sanctions on Iran’s oil sector, few analysts predicted that Iran’s oil exports would continue strongly. Yet, once again, the resilient workers of Iran’s oil industry proved their ability to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

In recent months, U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized their policy of "maximum pressure" on Iran’s oil exports. However, months after the renewed sanctions campaign, reports from international media and oil-tracking firms indicate that Iran has reached new export records.

This comes despite expectations that U.S. pressure—or at least the 12-day war—would disrupt Iran’s oil exports in recent months.

 Foreign media confirm rise in Iran’s oil exports 

According to Vortexa, an international oil-tracking firm, Iran’s average crude oil exports in the first 20 days of June 2025 reached 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), the highest level on record.

Meanwhile, Kpler reports show China’s daily crude oil imports from Iran averaged 1.46 million bpd from June 1 to 27—a 500,000 bpd increase (46% growth) compared to May.

The same sources indicate that in the final week of Khordad (coinciding with the first week of the 12-day war), Iran’s daily oil exports surged by 44%.

Additionally, the International Energy Agency reports that Iran’s average oil exports in the first half of 2025 stood at 1.7 million bpd, demonstrating stability in sales.

 Success despite sanctions, war 

Iran’s ability to break oil export records under severe sanctions—even during wartime—highlights not only the sacrifice and commitment of its oil workers but also the maturity of its energy management and strategic resilience. This success amid high tensions reflects strong economic diplomacy and smart utilization of technical capabilities.

 A failed wish 

Last winter, Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad responded to biased remarks from US officials who had just returned to the White House, saying:

"These days, we hear statements from US officials. I’ll answer them in one sentence: The Iranian people should know we will never let this delusional wish—reducing Iran’s oil exports to zero—come true."

In March 2025, Paknejad and several Iranian oil executives were added to the US Treasury’s sanctions list for their efforts in selling oil. Yet, as Paknejad promised, Iran continued exporting oil strongly, relying on tested and sophisticated methods.

Iran has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to bypass sanctions and sustain oil sales in global markets. According to OPEC’s 60th statistical bulletin, Iran’s oil exports in 2024 increased by 244,000 bpd compared to 2023.