Iranian Oil Minister: Oil Exports Continue Despite US Sanctions

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has rejected claims that Iran's oil sales have stopped following new US sanctions. Responding to reports suggesting a halt in exports, Paknejad expressed surprise and clarified that while sales volumes may have fluctuated in recent months, the process of delivering oil to customers in distant waters remains ongoing. These comments come as the administration of US President Donald Trump has recently announced new economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic, threatening to target any international entity that assists Tehran in bypassing these measures. However, when asked this week why the US has not yet penalized those continuing to trade with Iran, the US Treasury Secretary indicated that the administration is exercising caution regarding the immediate implementation of secondary sanctions due to potential negative impacts on the global economy.