According to the Shahr-e-Bourse, according to data from an international tanker tracking organization, Iran’s crude oil exports reached about 2 million barrels per day in September 2025 (Shahrivar/Mehr 1404), which is the highest recorded amount since 2018. This unprecedented jump shows that Iran has once again strengthened its position in the energy market.

Export growth in the shadow of the return of sanctions

These statistics are published in a situation where UN sanctions were reactivated against Iran in late September 2025. The United States and some European countries expected these pressures to disrupt the process of Iranian oil exports, especially to the Chinese market.

However, new reports indicate that these sanctions have practically had no effect on the process of selling Iranian oil and even the volume of exports has increased compared to previous months.

Oil Ministry Emphasizes Sanctions Are Ineffective

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad also recently announced that the return of sanctions will not create new pressure on oil exports. Referring to the experience of previous years, he emphasized that Iran has been able to overcome the most stringent US restrictions and that the path to oil sales is still open.

Details of the return of UN sanctions

According to the UN decision, six sanctions resolutions related to Iran’s nuclear program – which were suspended after the 2015 agreement – were reimposed. These sanctions mainly include individuals, equipment related to nuclear activities and arms trade and do not directly target the oil industry; an issue that experts believe is the main reason for the continued upward trend in Iran’s exports.