Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Iran's Oil Exports to China Amid US Blockade
Iran recently sent a lot of oil to China when the US temporarily lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
This happened because talks failed, and the blockade was reinstated after a short truce.
Iran sold about 70 million barrels of oil to China, which is a lot of money.
China is almost the only country buying Iran's oil because others are scared of US sanctions.
China pays in yuan and uses small private refineries to avoid US banks.
In return, China sends Iran chemicals for making rocket fuel and possibly other military equipment.
China also helps Iran with satellite technology to find targets.
This deal helps both countries: Iran gets money and support, and China gets cheap oil and keeps the US busy in the Middle East.
Iran shipped 70 million barrels of oil to China during a temporary lift of the US blockade.
China is the primary buyer of Iranian oil, taking about 90% of its exports.
Iran sells oil at a discount and receives payments in yuan through private refiners.
China provides Iran with chemicals for rocket fuel and potential military equipment.
Chinese satellite companies assist Iran in targeting, providing strategic advantages.
- Who
- Iran and China
- What
- Iran exports oil to China amid a US naval blockade
- When
- From late June to mid-July 2026
- Where
- Iranian tankers gathered off the east coast of Malaysia, with oil transferred to China's Shandong province
- Why
- Iran needs hard currency and China benefits from cheap oil and strategic advantages
Iran's Perspective
China's Perspective
Oil Sales
Iran's Perspective
Iran sells oil at a discount to China to secure hard currency despite US sanctions.
China's Perspective
China benefits from cheap oil and avoids US sanctions by using private refiners and yuan payments.
Military Support
Iran's Perspective
Iran receives chemical components and potential military equipment from China to strengthen its defense capabilities.
China's Perspective
China provides limited support to Iran, focusing on commercial transactions to maintain deniability and strategic interests.
- Oil Exported
- 70 million barrels
- Value of Oil
- $5 billion to $6 billion
- Blockade Period
- 13 April 2026 to 14 July 2026
- China's Oil Share
- 90% of Iran's crude exports
- Chemical Shipments
- Sodium perchlorate for missile fuel
- Satellite Support
- Chinese commercial satellite firms assist Iran