Iran Reports $18 Billion Oil Sales Amid US Conflict

Iran's Oil Ministry announced that the country generated $18 billion in oil sales during its conflict and subsequent ceasefire with the United States. The ministry's statement, published on its official website on Saturday, detailed that $11.5 billion was earned from oil sales during the war, while $6.5 billion was earned during the ceasefire, which later collapsed.

This combined revenue represented more than 60% of the oil income projected in Iran's annual budget, despite the ongoing crisis. The figures contradict earlier statements made by Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who claimed that oil exports had been halted due to a US blockade.

The conflict began following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to retaliatory attacks by Tehran against US allies. Although a ceasefire was reached in April, hostilities resumed earlier this month as tensions continued over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.