US Official Claims 20 Million Barrels of Iranian Oil Outside Sanctions

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, a U.S. official speaking to Al Jazeera stated that their assessment indicates approximately 20 million barrels of Iran’s remaining oil are currently outside of sanction enforcements. The official further claimed that this oil is being held on ships near China, Singapore, and other regions.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) also asserted that transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain open for all vessels not violating the blockade. These statements come amidst reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing data, which indicated that ten oil tankers were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz between September 28 and October 4, marking the highest number of attacks in a single week.

Coinciding with increased regional tensions and a reduction in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices surged to over $105 per barrel today, reaching their highest point since September 17. These developments appear to contradict claims made by U.S. political and military officials regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz.