Paknejad told reporters that sales have not stopped and Iran continues to ship oil to its customers outside its territorial waters.

However, the minister avoided offering details about the mechanisms used for exports, after noting that Tehran’s adversaries could use them.

He acknowledged, however, that the sales volume had decreased due to US sanctions and assured that the authorities were closely monitoring the situation to adopt measures that would guarantee the continuity of exports.

His statements contrast with those made on August 20 by Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati, who announced the complete suspension of the country’s oil exports.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated since the airstrikes launched on February 28 by Washington and Israel against Iranian territory and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation against Israeli and US targets in the region.

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