The Universe | A cache of over 10,000 leaked emails has unveiled the secret operations behind Iran’s ability to evade Western sanctions and sustain its global oil trade. The documents, linked to the Sahara Thunder network, detail how Iran exported nearly 20 million barrels of crude oil between March 2022 and February 2024, generating approximately $1.7 billion.
Deceptive Tactics
The leak reveals sophisticated methods used to disguise Iranian oil shipments. These include:
Fake Ship Identities: Tankers operated under false names and flags.
Signal Manipulation: Altering tracking signals to obscure movements.
Forged Documents: Certificates of origin falsely labeled Iranian oil as Iraqi crude, such as the Panama-flagged oil tanker Remy.
This elaborate operation involved 34 vessels transporting oil globally, primarily to buyers in Asia, with China emerging as the largest consumer.
Defying Sanctions
Despite stringent international sanctions designed to limit its oil exports, Iran managed to earn an estimated $53 billion from oil sales in 2023. The leaked documents highlight how a network of shadow tankers and fraudulent practices enabled Tehran to circumvent restrictions and maintain its economic lifeline.
Global Response
In April 2024, the U.S. sanctioned Sahara Thunder, describing it as a front for the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guards. However, the company appears to remain operational, with its website redirecting to a Chinese gambling site.
The revelations underscore the challenges of enforcing sanctions against Iran, as its oil trade continues to flourish through an intricate web of deception and international buyers willing to bypass restrictions.
Iran has yet to officially respond to the leak, while analysts suggest the findings could lead to increased scrutiny of global oil shipping practices.
