Iran's Revolutionary Guards Bypass US Sanctions, Profiting Billions Through Shadow Oil Fleet

Despite Washington's declared efforts to curb the funding of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), new information reveals that the IRGC continues to generate billions of dollars through maritime oil shipments. The IRGC operates a "shadow fleet" of 40 to 50 massive oil tankers in the Malaysia and China regions, using intermediaries and shell companies to sell oil indirectly. This network allows them to circumvent US sanctions, which remain in place against the IRGC even after recent sanctions relief for Iran's national oil companies under a US-Iran memorandum signed about two weeks ago.

These large tankers, many listed on the US Treasury's sanctions list, are closely monitored by satellites and maritime intelligence, making it unlikely that US authorities are unaware of their locations. The key question raised is why these vessels continue to operate with minimal interference despite the sanctions. It remains unclear whether this reflects a deliberate US decision to ease enforcement during the current diplomatic understandings or if other explanations exist.

While Washington has recently adopted a tougher stance toward Tehran, the ongoing activity of the IRGC's shadow fleet highlights a significant gap between official US policy and actual enforcement on the ground. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of sanctions in preventing the IRGC from profiting from oil exports and funding its activities.