Iran ships some LPG, jet fuel despite US blockade, data shows

Iran has successfully exported some liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel since July, defying a US naval blockade, according to intelligence data and insights from security personnel. Recent weeks have seen Iran discreetly conceal these shipments amidst a surge in ship-to-ship transfers by other Gulf producers off Oman, four maritime security experts told Reuters.

These exports and methods have been documented for the first time here, marking rare instances of petroleum products bypassing a blockade that has effectively halted Iran’s crude exports. A US advocacy group, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), identified at least eight gas tankers carrying Iranian LPG leaving the Gulf of Oman since mid-July.

Additionally, satellite imagery and analysis by maritime intelligence group SynMax confirmed a tanker carrying Iranian jet fuel reached Myanmar in September. Iran appears to be altering its tactics to intensify attacks on shipping prior to the US election. The US imposed targeted sanctions on Myanmar’s jet-fuel industry in 2023, alleging military airstrikes that killed thousands, though Myanmar denies these claims.

Of the eight gas tankers and the jet fuel tanker, six are under US sanctions for transporting Iranian petroleum and petrochemical products. UANI analyst Jemima Shelley noted that while a few tankers carrying Iranian LPG have managed to pass, the majority of vessels laden with Iranian products have been obstructed by US forces. Several of these oil-laden tankers transferred cargoes near Omani coastal towns of Shinas and Sohar, while others waited in the Gulf of Oman before navigating past the US blockade.

Shelley suggested some Iranian LPG tankers transferred their cargoes to Malaysia’s Eastern Outer Port Limits for further transfers before reaching destinations in China. Iran's government did not respond to inquiries about these shipments. Myanmar’s military-backed government also declined to comment on receiving Iranian jet fuel.

The US military maintains its blockade is "ironclad," emphasizing that it scrutinizes each vessel individually, including through document reviews. Some ships may be permitted to pass for humanitarian reasons. The blockade was reinstated on July 14 after collapsing in June following a draft understanding with Iran. US military officials stated that a vessel's passage doesn’t necessarily imply it evaded the blockade, and they monitor certain ships for operational reasons.

In the latest blockade cycle, four commercial vessels were disabled, and 135 ships were turned around by US forces. The US has expanded its blockade with fresh sanctions on 17 vessels involved in Iran’s crude, petrochemicals, and petroleum product transportation. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed the blockade prevented Chinese purchases of Iranian oil, leaving Iran unable to supply crude to customers.