Iran’s oil minister Mohsen Paknejad announced Saturday that the country sold $18 billion worth of oil since February 28, spanning the period of its recent conflict with the United States and the subsequent ceasefire.
According to Iranian state media, the sales broke down into $11.5 billion generated during the war itself and an additional $6.5 billion during the ceasefire phase. Paknejad attributed the higher post-conflict figure to reduced risks for tanker traffic, which allowed exports to climb.
The minister said the revenue covered more than 60% of the oil income projected in Iran’s annual budget. He also noted that the sales enabled Tehran to draw down part of its roughly 100 million barrels of stored crude oil and gas condensate.
The announcement highlights Iran’s continued ability to move significant volumes of oil despite geopolitical tensions and international sanctions. Officials have long maintained that Iranian crude finds ready buyers, particularly in Asian markets, even under heightened pressure.
“We sold $18 billion of oil since February 28 — $11.5 billion during the war and $6.5 billion after the ceasefire, when safer tanker routes let exports rise. These sales delivered over 60% of the oil revenue planned in this year’s budget and allowed us to reduce our stockpile of around 100 million barrels of crude and condensate.”
— Mohsen Paknejad, Iranian Oil Minister
The figures underscore the resilience of Iran’s oil sector in navigating both military confrontation and the immediate aftermath. Further details on exact volumes, destinations, or pricing were not immediately released by the ministry.
